I hate to add another oil post...
 

Hey guys,
I have a quick question. I noticed recently that when starting my EF, a plume of blue smokes appears. And only when starting. So I havent driven it lately (due to my rad problem) and today I went out and checked the oil level, and there it was pretty close to none. So, my question is, the lack of oil causing the smoke? Or is something causing that lack or oil, that could be the smoke? I did search, dont worry.


EDIT: Will this cause it to fail an e-test?

Thanks

-Mitch

Get a compression test done. Do you have to add oil quite often to the car?

I recently got it, so I dont know yet.

Only going from experience and it may not be the case, but when my car was blowing blue smoke, my piston ring was gone. I was adding oil a lot more than usual. I got a compression test done to confirm that it was the piston ring. I would get one done to make sure.

How much does it cost to get the test done? And how much would it cost to get it repaired, if that were the case? Coiuld I do it myself?

valve stem seals are worn which causes oil to leak into the combustion chamber while the car sits so when you start the car all that residual oil built up is burned off...now if the rings are gone you would notice blue smoke when u punch the gas or at higher rpm...u may fail on the visual part of the e-test or if its bad enough it wont pass the actuall emmissions portion

yeah odds are it'll fail on HC emissions.

my friends car was burning oil and failed the e-test...

valve seals would be your best case scenario because you can change them without having to pullt he head off... but if its your valve guides... then that is a little more work.

compression test isn't needed if you are not feeling a loss of power... but go to cdn tire, buy one for like $20 or so and get it done... i got it done on my car for $50 for a compression and a leakdown test.

plus, if its your rings (top 2 compression rings) you will see it all the time and when you punch the gas... if its your o-rings (bottom rings) you will see it pretty much at high-rpms... sometimes the o-rings are the culprit and it could be due to build-up or baked on oil if you've ever over heated the motor. try flushing it out with a high-detergent oil or something and try to loosen them up... (this would only be needed like i said if you are burning it at high rpms)

How much am I looking at spending? Any ideas? Is it worth it in the end? I've already spent $500 and the car isnt road worthy yet. And, is it easy enough I could do it myself?

well since u have problems installing a rad I wouldnt want you pullin a head apart

Ok, well, how much am I looking at to pay someone else to do it?

honestly, it is usually cheaper to just buy oil on a weekly basis than pay someone to fix the motor... it'll cost upwards of $800 or so i am sure just to get the seals/guides changed...

pm zeeman, he can set you up with a reasonable price for doing the seals because you don't have to pull the head off, but if its the guides which get pretty worn as well... you need to pull the head...

most shops charge around $200-250 to pull the head... thats doesn't include putting it back on either...

for your money, just buy a new motor and you prob wont spend more than $300 on a used one in good shape.... spend another $300 or so to get it installed if yoiu can find someone for a good price... i would say PM goose**** (goose$hit >>>there is an "s" there instead of the "$" but it blanks out when you spell the name) and talk to him about the motors... he'll do a quick and reasonably priced job for you... i got my motor swapped with him.