11 Nov 11 Engine
Repair Outline: Engine
Problem: Engine Smokes
A worn engine can smoke because oil leaks into the cylinders around worn valve guides, or the oil rings are worn, or both. These conditions will create white smoke, which is burning oil, as opposed to a rich fuel problem, which will create black smoke, which is burning fuel.
If you get a puff of white smoke when you start your engine, after it has been sitting for hours, that’s probably due to worn valve guides. Oil laying on the cylinder heads leaks into the cylinders while the car sits. Since the engine isn’t running, the oil accumulates enough to cause visible smoke for a moment when the engine is started.
As long as the smoking engine doesn’t foul spark plugs to often and can still pass emission tests, there’s no big rush to do anything. Your can plan this job, making arrangements for other transportation while the car is out of service. But don’t procrastinate too long. If you do, you’ll soon find yourself wanting to rid yourself of a clunker.
I your car suddenly begins belching out white smoke, you can’t wait. Something broke. Park it immediately and begin planning an engine rebuild or replacement.
An engine that smokes (white smoke) is getting tired. It needs rebuilt … completely rebuilt. There’s no sense in doing half a job. Bite the bullet and take your car or engine to your favorite engine re-builder, or take it apart and go to your auto machine shop with the parts. Don’t cut corners … get the cylinders bored if out of specs … get the block deck and cylinder head(s) resurfaced … have the rods reconditioned … get the heads rebuilt … replace the crankshaft if it’s scored. Get a master engine kit that includes piston rings (pistons too if the cylinders were rebored), main, rod and camshaft bearing, a new camshaft (stock) and lifters, timing gears and timing chain, oil pump (normal volume), freeze plugs, gaskets and seals. And while you’re at it, throw in a new water pump.
Don’t attempt an engine rebuild yourself without good manuals and precision tools. And make sure you have the assistance of someone that knows what they’re doing the first time.
Always rebuild your engine as it was originally (stock or OEM) if you want to minimize hassles, like emissions problems, and want to get a long engine life.
For some cars, exact factory replacement engines are available at a surprising good price. These are called factory crate engines. Not only are they brand new engines made by the car manufacturer, they carry a decent warranty. Check with your car dealer for this option. Then shop around between dealers, mail order and online suppliers to make sure you get a good price. You may find a large variation in prices.
Do not attempt to rebuild an engine in the car. You can’t do the job right and you will probably risk injury. Get a quality engine lift and pull the engine. You’ll save hassles in the long run and be able to do the job right. If your car is high mileage (over 100K miles), you may want to pull the engine and transmission together and rebuild them both at once.
