oil question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 2
From: colchester CT
oil question
I have an 86 auto coupe. I changed the oil 2k miles ago, using mobil 1 synthetic. Can you tell any engine problems by the color of the oil when checking the dipstick? I recently checked the oil and it is colored more toward brownish/black than nice clean honey color. Is this normal or suggestive of other potential problems. I also have the same question regarding exhaust smoke. When I first turn it over, I get a few puffs of blue smoke, is this normal? Thanks for all the help guys, this forum really helps a beginner save time and money.-E
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 7
Cruise-In II Veteran
Blue smoke on start up is oil leaking past the valve seals.Not a big problem unless it smokes all the time.The fix for that would be to change the seals in due time.
The synthetic oil may be cleaning the engine a little bit? Adding a diff type of oil while theres still some regular oil inside the engine,it may be showing up on the dipstick and my do so a few more oil changes.
Theres no harm adding synthetic,maybe just might take a few more changes before it gets the ALL of the old oil out.
The synthetic oil may be cleaning the engine a little bit? Adding a diff type of oil while theres still some regular oil inside the engine,it may be showing up on the dipstick and my do so a few more oil changes.
Theres no harm adding synthetic,maybe just might take a few more changes before it gets the ALL of the old oil out.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 2
From: colchester CT
Blue smoke on start up is oil leaking past the valve seals.Not a big problem unless it smokes all the time.The fix for that would be to change the seals in due time.
The synthetic oil may be cleaning the engine a little bit? Adding a diff type of oil while theres still some regular oil inside the engine,it may be showing up on the dipstick and my do so a few more oil changes.
Theres no harm adding synthetic,maybe just might take a few more changes before it gets the ALL of the old oil out.
The synthetic oil may be cleaning the engine a little bit? Adding a diff type of oil while theres still some regular oil inside the engine,it may be showing up on the dipstick and my do so a few more oil changes.
Theres no harm adding synthetic,maybe just might take a few more changes before it gets the ALL of the old oil out.
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 549
Likes: 2
From: Bardstown ( Bourbon capitol of the world ) KY ( The Bluegrass state )
Blue smoke on start up is oil leaking past the valve seals.Not a big problem unless it smokes all the time.The fix for that would be to change the seals in due time.
The synthetic oil may be cleaning the engine a little bit? Adding a diff type of oil while theres still some regular oil inside the engine,it may be showing up on the dipstick and my do so a few more oil changes.
Theres no harm adding synthetic,maybe just might take a few more changes before it gets the ALL of the old oil out.
The synthetic oil may be cleaning the engine a little bit? Adding a diff type of oil while theres still some regular oil inside the engine,it may be showing up on the dipstick and my do so a few more oil changes.
Theres no harm adding synthetic,maybe just might take a few more changes before it gets the ALL of the old oil out.
This guy is good, not only did he tell you what the problem was, but also how to fix it. Now thats advice 
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 456
Likes: 3
From: Sumner Texas
Yes, blue smoke at start up is caused by worn valve guides and seals. Typically, though, on an SBC, the guides are worn such that replacing seals will not always do the trick. Pulling the heads and doing a valve job along with bronze wall guides would be the best fix. I would not, however, do that before analyzing the engine to make sure that the rings/pistons/cylinders are in good condition.
For what you describe with the oil, if it were mine, I would use dino oil with much more frequent oil changes until the crankcase is cleaned out, THEN go to the synthetic. This being a flat tappet engine, however, you will need to make sure you provide ZDDP with whatever oil you choose.
For what you describe with the oil, if it were mine, I would use dino oil with much more frequent oil changes until the crankcase is cleaned out, THEN go to the synthetic. This being a flat tappet engine, however, you will need to make sure you provide ZDDP with whatever oil you choose.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
After 2000 miles using whatever kind of oil, it will change from a honey shade to near black. The color doesn't tell you much. I agree that seals will not always fix the leaking valve guide problem. It is usually worn guides, not seals that result in smoke after startup or high vacuum conditions (deceleration).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 5
From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
I have an 86 auto coupe. I changed the oil 2k miles ago, using mobil 1 synthetic. Can you tell any engine problems by the color of the oil when checking the dipstick? I recently checked the oil and it is colored more toward brownish/black than nice clean honey color. Is this normal or suggestive of other potential problems. I also have the same question regarding exhaust smoke. When I first turn it over, I get a few puffs of blue smoke, is this normal? Thanks for all the help guys, this forum really helps a beginner save time and money.-E
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
Oil does three things, lubricates,cools and cleans.The brown/black color is an indication your oil is doing its job, cleaning. Unless the engine is absolutely gunked up not to worry. When the color gets so dark it worries you change the oil. In the meantime, have fun.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 2
From: colchester CT
Yes, blue smoke at start up is caused by worn valve guides and seals. Typically, though, on an SBC, the guides are worn such that replacing seals will not always do the trick. Pulling the heads and doing a valve job along with bronze wall guides would be the best fix. I would not, however, do that before analyzing the engine to make sure that the rings/pistons/cylinders are in good condition.
For what you describe with the oil, if it were mine, I would use dino oil with much more frequent oil changes until the crankcase is cleaned out, THEN go to the synthetic. This being a flat tappet engine, however, you will need to make sure you provide ZDDP with whatever oil you choose.
For what you describe with the oil, if it were mine, I would use dino oil with much more frequent oil changes until the crankcase is cleaned out, THEN go to the synthetic. This being a flat tappet engine, however, you will need to make sure you provide ZDDP with whatever oil you choose.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 30
From: Los Angeles CA
Dino= dinosaur= fossil fuel
v.
synthethic
I use autozone brand dino in my new 383 stroker motor,and will eventually switch over to synthetic, but i am in no rush, perhaps 5,000 miles? don't worry, they are rated with a donut seal in the back of the bottle, if you change it often enough, the protective qualities of the oil remains viable.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Some oils still have good amounts of it, oils such as ROTELLA.
Dino oil simply is what we call oil that comes out of the ground caused by the decay of dinosaurs and vegetable matter over millions of years. Same stuff that has our military over in Iraq for.
Jake
West Point ROCKS!
Last edited by JAKE; May 13, 2009 at 11:27 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 2
From: colchester CT
ZDDP is an additive or maybe a combination of additives, previously included in engine oil, but has recently been reduced. It's is a pretty long name that I won't even attempt to spell here. It's main components are Zinc and Phosphonic acid or something equally as difficult to spell, I believe. It's designed to prevent excessive wear and prevent metal to metal contact.
Some oils still have good amounts of it, oils such as ROTELLA.
Dino oil simply is what we call oil that comes out of the ground caused by the decay of dinosaurs and vegetable matter over millions of years. Same stuff that has our military over in Iraq for.
Jake
West Point ROCKS!
Some oils still have good amounts of it, oils such as ROTELLA.
Dino oil simply is what we call oil that comes out of the ground caused by the decay of dinosaurs and vegetable matter over millions of years. Same stuff that has our military over in Iraq for.
Jake
West Point ROCKS!