stingray6507

I took my first drive in my "new" 62 to get my license plate and show it to my insurance agent. When I arrived at the insurance agent's office I raised the hood to show him the vin # and saw smoke coming from the oil filler cap. I pulled out the oil dip stick and smoke started to come out of there to. It didn't last more then a few minutes. I have owned 327's before but never saw this. Should I be worried? What is causing this? Your input is valued. Joe

narlee

Blow by usually caused by an issue with the rings.

Kerrmudgeon

Don't let Gary scare you! How many miles on the motor? I would change the oil with top quality oil, filter, and check the PCV if it has one, only Calif 62's had 'em. Pull the plugs and see if the motors healthy. Light grey, not oily and plugged up. A little blow-by is not a death sentence, and other then appearance, won't hurt daily performance. My 265 powerpack has had a little puff puff for years, but put your foot in it, still screams.
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narlee

Sorry, I should have elaborated a little more. Like Rob says it doesn't mean the motor is toast.

MikeM

That "smoke" may be accumulated crankcase moisture vaporizing from after a short trip. Drive it for an hour and get it hot, then check it again. It may have quit.

I wouldn't worry about it too much unless it starts puffing out the oil fill pipe in rythem with the pistons going up/down.

stingray6507

I purchased the car from a guy who had it sitting for months on end. He never drove the car. The trip I took yesterday was only about 10 miles or so. It wasn't puffing like a chimmeny but it's something I have never seen before and I got a little worried. I will do as recommended recommended and do an oil change ( someone recommended amily) and plugs, etc. I am sure they haven't been changed. Thanks for the advise, I will do it today. P.S. I did think the engine was toast. Joe

stingray6507

Which plugs would you recommend? Might as well get the right ones. Joe

MikeM

AC R45 or AC R45S.

Everybody has their favorite brand so if you don't want AC plugs, use the AC number I posted as a cross reference to another brand. If it's not missing, I wouldn't bother. I would probably bother to check the point dwell after I ran a point file through them. The plugs won't leave you dead in the water and they'll give you plenty of warning before they go bad. A dirty point set can stop you without warning.

Bluestripe67

What has been done (need details) to the motor since you bought the car back from the dead? Depending on your response, some of us here may be able to add some valuable information/suggestions above and beyond the previous posts. Dennis

62Jeff

Given how the car was treated before you bought it, I think MikeM is exactly right in that you have excessive moisture built up in the crank case that is evaporating off.

stingray6507

I have not done a thing to it. yesterday was my first ride. I previous owner hasn't change plugs or points in ages. However I stepped on it to see if it would spit and sputter. It ran great. Plenty of power, very smooth. When I start it, it idles a little ruff, nothing bad at around 800 rpms. When it warms up it runs at around 1000rpms very smooth. The temp after about 10 miles is 170 with an ambient temp of 92. My volts at 1000rpms is around 13.8 to 14. The oil looks very clean. Tail pipes don't smoke and look clean. The engine sounds and responds well but the smoking had me worried. The moisture makes sense. When cold no problem with smoke. I know the car sat for long periods of time. Previous owner didn't like going to shows or driving around because the people would freak him out with their chains, belt buckles and kids. So the car sat at home for the past 4 years since restoration with only about 200 miles driven. Hope this helps. Joe

62Jeff

As noted, change the oil. It may look clean, but oil breaks down into a corrosive mess as it ages and collects moisture, possibly damaging the main bearings.

MikeM

I would, "keep the hood shut and don't mess with it".

You next post could read, "Help, my hood cable is broken, what do I do now"?

Bluestripe67

As suggested above, do an oil change and filter, then drive it all over the place. Put 50-70 miles on it in one clip to make sure every bit of the "suggested" moisture has been dried up in the motor. After that, each time you drive it and come home, check under the hood just like you did with the insurance man. Keep us posted if you need more assistance. Dennis

Redbird

Post some pictures of the car.
John

62Jeff

Here are photos of Joe's car when he first took delivery.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1571821126-post4.html


It is a very nice car.

CWPASADENA

Change oil and filter and RUN the car. I bet the more you drive it, the better it gets. It may take several hundred miles but I think the rings will seal up and it will be just fine.

ENJOY YOUR "NEW" 62 CORVETTE!!!



Chris, CWPASADENA

Kerrmudgeon

As the guys have said short runs build up the H2o in the motor, but short runs also build up water in the exhaust system, which will rot from the inside out amazingly fast. Have fun with the old girl, but give her lots of foreplay.
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P.S. I would use one of the new platinum style plugs, I use Bosch, they tend to burn hotter, good for an older motor.

chris ritchie

If this continues to bother you (and it'd bother me), do what Chevy did, and fit a PCV system to your car. A PCV system was mandatory on California '62s, an option on other '62s, and stock equipment for subsequent model years. The PCV system will help keep the air clean and help keep your engine and the underside of your car cleaner. I fitted a PCV system to my '62, using Chevy parts. See your AIM for part numbers and how it is set up. Very easy to do. All the usual Corvette suppliers carry the parts, and they're not expensive. If you care, this'll pass NCRS judging because your car could have originally had this equipment.

(BTW, as a new owner, resist the urge to "improve" your car. Don't ask about DOT-5 brake fluid, Pertronix ignitions, alternators, electric cooling fans, wide tires, disc brakes, and other things I can't remember right now. But PCV systems, modern lubricants, and radial tires are no-brainers.)

MikeM

Chris beat me to this. I was going to suggest that you install the PCV system. Lot's of guys out there are too young to remember the older cars without PCV would wisp oil vapors/moisture out of the oil fill pipe.

How many of you guys remember when the streets/roads used to have the black stripe down the center of the driving lane where the road draft tubes would spew oil vapors out and discolor the road?