Smoke
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 156
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From: Glendora CA
Smoke
Just got my car home. After driving it for a while, I have a lot smoke coming from the exhaust. It is not billowing smoke, but it smokes. It is definitely burning oil. I am thinking rings. I did not see this before I bought it. What else could it be? 
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
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From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
There are additives on the market that can hide oil burning . It's possible that the seller used it to sell the car. How far did you drive it home ? If it was a long distance , it might have just came back. Time will tell but it is probably going to need a rebuild or as Allan said , it might just be valve seals but valve seals usually throw smoke after startup or while going down a hill with your foot off of the accelerator . Another thing that was pretty common with the older chevy engines was that the fuel pumps would develop an internal leak and gasoline would flow down into the crankcase causing severe smoking as the fuel begins to burn with the oil . Pull the dipstick and smell the oil for gasoline . If it smells like gasoline do not run the engine until the problem is corrected and the oil is flushed or it will wash the cylinders and destroy the engine. Hope it works out for you.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 156
Likes: 4
From: Glendora CA
There are additives on the market that can hide oil burning . It's possible that the seller used it to sell the car. How far did you drive it home ? If it was a long distance , it might have just came back. Time will tell but it is probably going to need a rebuild or as Allan said , it might just be valve seals but valve seals usually throw smoke after startup or while going down a hill with your foot off of the accelerator . Another thing that was pretty common with the older chevy engines was that the fuel pumps would develop an internal leak and gasoline would flow down into the crankcase causing severe smoking as the fuel begins to burn with the oil . Pull the dipstick and smell the oil for gasoline . If it smells like gasoline do not run the engine until the problem is corrected and the oil is flushed or it will wash the cylinders and destroy the engine. Hope it works out for you.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Glendora CA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Palmdale CA
With the engine out, it's the perfect time to clean up the engine compartment. And while you're there, the front suspension is a lot easier to get to. And while you're there, the power steering, if it needs a rebuild, is another task that is made easier, sans engine.
Good luck with the engine and keep us posted.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Glendora CA
OK, here is one thought of a possible other cause. Also, I think I am grasping at straws here. When I got the car, it was about out of gas. I drove it to the gas station, and it literally ran out as I got there. I filled it with gas. And it was the next day that I noticed the smoke. Bluish smoke. could it be something from a dirty gas tank? Sorry, I may be showing my ignorance here. But that's why I'm asking the expert!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
OK, here is one thought of a possible other cause. Also, I think I am grasping at straws here. When I got the car, it was about out of gas. I drove it to the gas station, and it literally ran out as I got there. I filled it with gas. And it was the next day that I noticed the smoke. Bluish smoke. could it be something from a dirty gas tank? Sorry, I may be showing my ignorance here. But that's why I'm asking the expert!
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 156
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From: Glendora CA
Just be prepared for the very common syndrome of "While You're There"!
With the engine out, it's the perfect time to clean up the engine compartment. And while you're there, the front suspension is a lot easier to get to. And while you're there, the power steering, if it needs a rebuild, is another task that is made easier, sans engine.
Good luck with the engine and keep us posted.
With the engine out, it's the perfect time to clean up the engine compartment. And while you're there, the front suspension is a lot easier to get to. And while you're there, the power steering, if it needs a rebuild, is another task that is made easier, sans engine.
Good luck with the engine and keep us posted.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 156
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From: Glendora CA
Good news! I do not know why I had that smoke, but it is gone. It had me a bit worried, for sure. I can only think that when i ran it out of gas, that some crap from the bottom of the gas tank got in the carb or engine or something. Also, I have a carb gasket that needs replacing and the carb adjusted.
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Check the cylinder compression before dissembling anything. I replace my valve stem seals to stop my engine from smoking....they were very hard and brittle/not really doing a good sealing job.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Bussey, IA
Could be if the car was setting for a long period of time or was only driven short distances for a long period of time it may some accumulated oil settled in the exhaust. You may still need an engine rebuild, but it may be as bad as you dread.
I just got one Friday, and will be doing that today. Thanks.
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From: Glendora CA
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Glendora CA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: shelbyville West Michigan
some general notes for you:
usually blue smoke is oil, white is antifreeze, black or grey is rich fuel. (but not always)
blue smoking regularly is rings, only when you punch it is valve seals...if it only does it on start up it is usually valve seals as well, just not fully worn out yet as oil seeps past overnight and they are cold...
can also suck oil from intake gaskets when cold or hot or both.
you may also want to check you PCV system and PCV valve as that can suck oil into the intake and burn it as well...
there are always exceptions to the rule but it will point you in the right direction.
usually blue smoke is oil, white is antifreeze, black or grey is rich fuel. (but not always)
blue smoking regularly is rings, only when you punch it is valve seals...if it only does it on start up it is usually valve seals as well, just not fully worn out yet as oil seeps past overnight and they are cold...
can also suck oil from intake gaskets when cold or hot or both.
you may also want to check you PCV system and PCV valve as that can suck oil into the intake and burn it as well...
there are always exceptions to the rule but it will point you in the right direction.