When I start my vette for the first time each day i get a lot of smoke. I understand this is the valve seats letting oil into the cylinders? Is there anything else it could be and is worth checking?
Oh yeah its got 106000 miles on the clock.

 

what color is the smoke? If it ain't blue its not oil. White is coolant, Black is fuel

 

that's the pre-lube job that chevy designed into their TPI motors. My TPI has been doing it since new.

It's faulty valve seals, doesn't affect much.

 

I agree about the valve seals but would add that it isn't a big or expensive job to replace them as long as you don't decide to upgrade everything in the process.

 

Though not "expensive" in that case, I'd still call it a "big job" since the valve springs need to be removed to change the seals.

 

Is it just the seals or is it also worn guides?

 

more than likely just the seals. very typical.

 

Although the bit of blue smoke on start up has been cited as a typical 350 GM condition, I've also seen a lot of 350s that don't do this, especially when their mileage/age is not that high. For the most part I'd disagree that it is not a 'problem" in your case - although nothing to lose any sleep about or to immediately change your driving plans, you should start thinking about when you're going to change the valve seals. With 100,000 miles on your aging engine and you're getting this smoke, it is a pretty clear sign that your valve seals are not doing the job they were intended to do. The problem with this condition can include premature break down of your catalytic converter (possibly the oxygen sensors too), increased oil consumption, and worst of all - having others see your cool car smoking a bit of blue.

I changed the valve seals on my '85 this spring and it was not complicated, it gave me an opportunity to get a good look at everything and it was very rewarding to see the difference it made. I found the little rubber o-ring seals, cracked, brittle and broken in some cases. I found 2 dampen er springs (inside the valve springes were broken), one dampener spring had damaged one of the umbrella seals over time, and I was able to visually and physically check the valve guides for wear. I was amazed at how good the valve guides were and I have 200,000 km on mine.

A great winter project...

 

Forget the guides...they are fine. I agree with the bad unbrellas (valve seals) these seals are dirt cheap....the springs do have to be removed....like others said it is a big job but you can do it on the car if your very careful, have an air compressor and strong automotive knowledge. I wouldn't do it on the car if your unsure in any way of what your doing.

Good Luck!