Serious Engine Problems???
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
Serious Engine Problems???
Some of you may know that I recently installed a Magnaflow exhaust system on my Vette. I dont believe it had any negative effects, but basically I have now been able to notice something doesnt look right with the exhaust. I have noticed a lot of carbon buildup on the tailpipes as you can see...
On startup the exhaust smoke is sometimes a bluish gray, and goes away immediately. The car seems to run just fine, but I want to be absolutely sure. Oh it has about 108,000 miles on original engine, no rebuild.
On startup the exhaust smoke is sometimes a bluish gray, and goes away immediately. The car seems to run just fine, but I want to be absolutely sure. Oh it has about 108,000 miles on original engine, no rebuild.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
Nope, havent gotten carbon on the bumper since I replaced the exhaust system. Reason why I had it before was the stock exhaust tailpipe was ripped off on the driver side.
Also, this isnt related to the engine, but more the transmission. The original transmission was rebuilt by the previous owner and has less than 10K on it. My question is, is it normal to feel like the car is engine braking even when going down a hill? It will do this is when the car is close to a gear (downshift or upshift).
Also, this isnt related to the engine, but more the transmission. The original transmission was rebuilt by the previous owner and has less than 10K on it. My question is, is it normal to feel like the car is engine braking even when going down a hill? It will do this is when the car is close to a gear (downshift or upshift).
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
Yeah thats what mine does too. My old '77 Chevy C10 barrelled down hills, it was crazy. I figured a high performance car like a Vette would do the same. Guess it all depends on the tranny and stuff. Think it has something to do with the limited slip diff?
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Hilo Hawaii
Blue smoke usually means oil is being burnt...if it's on the startup i'd lean towards valve seals...they have a tendancy to let some oil drip down into the chamber and it gets burnt up when you start the car. just a suggestion.
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Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
Thats the funny thing though, it doesnt burn any oil. Even if it does, I cant tell on the dipstick. The valve seals probably do need to be replaced though. And yes i've been known to have a "lead foot". 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
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From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by 4Ever21
Thats the funny thing though, it doesnt burn any oil. Even if it does, I cant tell on the dipstick. The valve seals probably do need to be replaced though. And yes i've been known to have a "lead foot".
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Everett WA
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Originally Posted by 4Ever21
Also, this isnt related to the engine, but more the transmission. The original transmission was rebuilt by the previous owner and has less than 10K on it. My question is, is it normal to feel like the car is engine braking even when going down a hill? It will do this is when the car is close to a gear (downshift or upshift).
As to your original question, if you had only one or perhaps 2 deteriorating valve seals you would get this quickly disappearing blue smoke just on start up and never see an impact on the dip stick level. Have a friend drive behind you during some normal driving & if no blue smoke is observed I would say that you're ok
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
I think its just worn valve seals cause this car does have 108K miles on it and no internal engine work has been done on it. I'm familiar with taking apart and repairing engines so this'll be a breeze.