smokey engine

[Heath]

Had a service done a week or so back and now my ute smokes when cold (may have before but not like this.). Engine is a 2.2 petrol (97 courier) and has done 290K kms. I know this is getting long in the tooth but want to extend its life and get rid of the smoke.

Can I put a lower viscosity (thicker or whatever) oil like 20w40 in it instead of the 10w30 which it has now?

Will this make it less likely to smoke on start up? It runs fine when warm but smokes a bit on start up now until warm.

Also what stop smoke stuff can I bung in to help the cause? Motorup, etc?

Cheers.
Heath

[Bolo]

What colour is the smoke ??
Grey = Water
Blue = Oil
Black= Unburnt Fuel

[Heath]

Blue. Leaking valve guides I think. Worse on start up after sitting for a while.

[Steve_t647]

Sounds like valve guides, there is not a lot you can do as any time the engine sits with oil in the heads it can run into the cylinder.

Thicker (more viscous) oil will do more to hide the problem but eventually it will do the same thing.

[Heath]

I wish I had had them sorted when I had the head out a while ago. Bet it costs a bomb to do them insitu.

I am selling it so would rather present a good wagon and be able to let the new owner know its history (and potential future expenses).

Anyone care to venture a ball park figure for repairs?

[Flyingpony]

Wouldn't you also have to replace the valves and do the valve seats when replacing the guides ?

[Heath]

Thats what I figured. Its a head off job.

Wouldnt you know it for the last few days of driving it the ute hasnt once puffed any smoke. I think maybe it is just one or two guides that are worn. Maybe the valves have to be in a set position for the oil to sneak past.

Put a heavier grade of oil in anyway (I had bought it already) so maybe it will solve the smokey problem, maybe not (not for good just put it off for a while perhaps).

Heath