Valve seals. I have the same thing, but it's pretty low on my to-do list because it's merely annoying for me at this point.
79 Vette Burning Oil
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: Englewood CO
79 Vette Burning Oil
I've just acquired a Vette that hasn't run in 10 years. Recently I've have been taking it out just for rides in my neighborhood, but there is a lot of smoke coming out of the exhaust. I have been checking the dipstick and I can tell the oil level has dropped. There has been less smoke coming out since I have been driving it, but when I rev the engine a lot of smoke comes out. Any one have any ideas as to what could be causing this? Could the problem be a piston ring or valve? Also what would be some good tools to get for engine work, and diagnostic test. All advice would be greatly appreciated.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 74
Likes: 1
From: Austin Texas
Re: 79 Vette Burning Oil (Simon Alexander)
Probably either or both of those things if its burning oil.
If oil consumption is excessive then it needs a rebuild (or replacement) to make it right.
How many miles on the engine? Does it seem to be down on power or can you tell?
Gary
If oil consumption is excessive then it needs a rebuild (or replacement) to make it right.
How many miles on the engine? Does it seem to be down on power or can you tell?
Gary
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu HI
Re: 79 Vette Burning Oil (79corvette)
i'd bet its the valve stem seals. i recently had the same problem. my '79 had been sitting for 11 years, and as I started driving it again, it got smokey. Eventually, smoke just came pooring out even at idle. Valve stem seals in corvettes tend to wore out pretty fast. I just changed the valve stem seals in my vette but havent started it up yet.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: Englewood CO
Re: 79 Vette Burning Oil (GWilliam)
It has about 59,000 on it. That might not be completely accurate because the speedometer doesn't work, I'm not sure when that broke.
As far as power goes, I can't tell. It is my first Corvette, and I normally drive a Honda, so anything has more power.
As far as power goes, I can't tell. It is my first Corvette, and I normally drive a Honda, so anything has more power.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Re: 79 Vette Burning Oil (locochicon)
Step one would be to replace the valve seals. This can be done with the heads installed. If this doesn't fix the problem you may have stuck piston rings. Sometimes they come free by themselves after a while.
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