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Old May 14, 2011 | 07:42 PM
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Default Start up......smoke

I have a 72 base motor. When I start the car I get smoke , initial start cold a good amount for about 15 seconds. After a warm restart just a small amount. I know you guys will tell me this is coming from the top end and I agree. I have double sealed the valve stems and checked freeplay of the valve stems in the guides from the top. A little run out nothing that alarms me. I know this is not the proper way to check guides for play but it's the best way with the heads on. PCV has been changed so I'm not buliding excess crankcase pressure. I have no idea how many miles are on this engine but it runs to darn good to take apart. Uses about 1 quart in 3k miles. I've been putting up with this about two years now. It just bugs the sh&t out of me every time I start it. I really think that double sealing the stems should have taken care of this especially seeing how it appears the guides have some wear but nothing crazy. Am I overlooking anything ? I don't think the bottom end is the problem. Should I just live with it until it starts consuming oil and then pull it out and go through it ?
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Old May 14, 2011 | 07:57 PM
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St. Jude Donor '09
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Originally Posted by john 72-04
...
Should I just live with it until it starts consuming oil and then pull it out and go through it ?
I would 'cause if you pull it then you'll look at the car and say, that body could come off quick and easy.

Its all down hill from there.
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Old May 14, 2011 | 08:26 PM
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Try Castrol GTX High Mileage oil. Google will find it.

*Edit* - Ever aware of those who call additives snake oil, and will direct criticism in my direction, I will nevertheless suggest this product. My car sits for six months each winter and rubber seals shrink and can develop minor leaks even if intact and not worn. This additive restored things to normal in my power steering system and transmission. I put several ounces in my engine crankcase as well for front and rear seals. My garage floor is now dry. Google ATP 205 (I do not have shares). Of course if seals are finished and there are major leaks replace them.

Last edited by Paul L; May 15, 2011 at 01:37 PM.
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Old May 14, 2011 | 10:16 PM
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When I got my car it ate oil for lunch..it sat for 12 years with only a few miles on it..is yours driven alot..it could be that things are gooped up..mine doesn't burn oil now..it just started to leak now! ! That high mile oil may be able to loosen things or swell things so it doesn't smoke..it would take time though..I don't think it smoking some when you start it is a big deal..at least on a engine that is running strong..
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Old May 14, 2011 | 10:56 PM
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I heard a rumor that synthetic oil does not smoke or it smokes white. I do not know if this is true, maybe someone will chime in.
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Old May 14, 2011 | 11:11 PM
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Originally Posted by BPHORSEGUY
I heard a rumor that synthetic oil does not smoke or it smokes white. I do not know if this is true, maybe someone will chime in.
I heard the same thing. I spoke to a guy from Mobil oil who explained the structure of the molecules or something being more consistent then conventional oil. He told me to put synthetic in and it still may get some oil by the guides but you won't see any smoke. I've be reluctant to put it in because I'm afraid of oil leaks.
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Old May 14, 2011 | 11:13 PM
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Are you sure its engine oil smoke ?
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Old May 14, 2011 | 11:29 PM
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Originally Posted by ...Roger...
Are you sure its engine oil smoke ?
Yes sir.
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Old May 15, 2011 | 01:17 PM
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Originally Posted by john 72-04
I heard the same thing. I spoke to a guy from Mobil oil who explained the structure of the molecules or something being more consistent then conventional oil. He told me to put synthetic in and it still may get some oil by the guides but you won't see any smoke. I've be reluctant to put it in because I'm afraid of oil leaks.
I run synthetic in all my vehicles except my 94k mile vette because I'm worried about the solvency issue causing leaks!
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