GlenJack

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?

Alan 71

Hi GJ,
Sorry to read this!
Smoke, burning oil, can also be caused by the valve seals.
Regards,
Alan

bj1k

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.

GlenJack

Wow, okay. Will check that out.

GlenJack

I figured I would be rebuilding the engine after a couple of years. I think my timetable may be moved up.

F22

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.

GlenJack

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!

F22

What does the smoke smell like? Get behind the car, while it's running and if needs to be revved to get the smoke, have someone give it some gas. Put your hand right behind the exhaust pipe and smell it. Does it smell like fuel, or does it smell like burnt oil?

GlenJack

Yeah, "while you're there". I imagine the possibilities are endless.

GlenJack

I'll check on these things. I have a pretty good mechanic, so I guess I'll get his opinion.Thanks.

GlenJack

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.

Wee

Change the fuel filter while you're adjusting on the carb....

Brian

doorgunner

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.

Andy Tuttle

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.

GlenJack

I just got one Friday, and will be doing that today. Thanks.

GlenJack

I had not thought of that.

GlenJack

I will definitely be checking out all options. Thanks for the comment.

tokim

Do a wet and dry compression test, inspect/smell (oil soaked, smell of fuel) the plugs while they are removed.

gungatim

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.