alright guys, I need to know which it is? I start my car first thing during the day and it smokes for 10 seconds and goes away, im driving then stop after its warm and been out for about 20 min and i give it gas at idle and i get some smoke. How can I tell if its rings or guides, I need to pass inspection i have only 10 more days, its reinspection. Should I get new heads, or would a diagnostics test tell me whats wrong. Please Help!
Murph

 

Murf,

You could do a cylinder compression test or leakage test. Check the pressures or leakage at every cylinder. The lowest ones can be injected with clean engine oil. If the pressure increases (or leakage decreases) you probably have worn rings. If the measurements do'nt change, you might have really worn guides.

------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"Let the bodies hit the floor!"
Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

Here is another way to tell the difference, but it is not as accurate, or involved as Vader's suggestion.

With the engine running and fully warmed up, have a helper stand behind the car. Rev the engine a few times up to the 4000-5000 rpm range and watch for blue smoke when you let off the gas, which would indicate worn valve guides. Assuming you have an auto, with the car in gear, hold the brake and hold the throttle so that the tires are just about to spin. If you see blue smoke then, most likely your rings are the problem. If you have a 5-speed, then have someone follow you while you lay into the throttle.

A proper compression and leakdown test will tell you for sure what is going on, but this is another mechanic's trick.

------------------
89 Transam GTA, 350TPI, auto, 3.27 rear, dual cats, gray.
Magnaflow cat-back,
K&N open element,
Best E.T. 14.63@95mph

 

Both vader and TA, Have excellent ideas I use bolth of them to diginose problems.
Usualy though The valve guides&seals go south before the rings, but I would not assume anything with a engine over the net. If its the rings you need to pull the heads! If its the guides you need to pull the heads! Either way you need to pull the heads so you might as well take the heads to a shop and get them serviced.
SSC

------------------
Bow your heads for the man's prayer; Im a man but I can change, if I have to, I guess.
"Red Green"

 

Mine dont smoke when i start it up but when i have been idling at a stop light or sitting somewhere for a while just idling it will smoke for a bit. Any other time it dont smoke. I think its your valve seals. I have always heard your car will smoke all the time if its rings. Good luck