Here's the deal, I haven't been driving my Camaro for the last 3 weeks b/c I've been driving a 93 Sable that my dad is selling, b/c it is a better winter car anyway. I've been going out and letting my car run about every other day or so to keep it in running order b/c it's not good to let them sit. Today I noticed a few things I didn't like. First off when I cranked the engine it blew out a huge cloud of smoke, which it's never done b4. Also I noticed this smell so I popped the hood and I noticed this white smoke coming from the back of the engine. This scared the hell outta me so I cut off the engine and checked the oil level. That was fine, just a little low. I started the engine again and there was no smoke. What is causing this. I drove an 89 RS 2.8 a year or so ago and it did the same thing. I didn't get that car b/c of it. What is causing this smoke? It never did this b4. I know something is wrong b/c it shouldn't be doing it. One other thing a guy called about the Sable today so I'll prb be back in my Camaro next week. I drove 500 miles a week so I need a dependable car. Please help!

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Red 1986 SC, 2.8L, newly rebuilt 700R4, 3.42 Posi, t-tops, 133K miles and counting, K&N air filters, hopefully more to come!

 

Sounds like valve guides/seats to me.

When the car sits, the oil that's left in the lifter valley slowly seeps down. If the guides or seats are starting to wear, it will leak into the combustion chamber and then burn off the next time you start it up.

I wouldn't be too worried at this point, since it appears that you don't have this problem when you drive it daily - just when it sits 2-3 days. This means the oils leaking down pretty slowly, so the wear isn't too bad yet. Do a leak down test to get some more info on the condition.

No idea what the smoke at the back of the engine could be, assuming the exhaust in is good shape. Unless you're certain it's good, you should check for a hole in the pipes that might have been the source of the smoke. This is important - y'all know that breathing exhaust isn't a very good idea, and there are tons of places exhaust can leak into the passanger compartment at the firewall area.


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Maroon '92 RS 3.1L AT PW PDL CC Tilt

 

Thanks, so I have nothing to worry about. That's really good to hear. My exhaust is about a year and a half old. There is a dent in the muffler from the first idiot who towed my car. Don't know if there is a hole or a leak though. I wouldn't doubt it. If I could ever save the money I'd like to put new exhaust on it.

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Red 1986 SC, 2.8L, newly rebuilt 700R4, 3.42 Posi, t-tops, 133K miles and counting, K&N air filters, hopefully more to come!

 

Jason, you experienced the same thing I did...

When I totalled my car (which you guys will see if/when I ever get a website up), my car sat for a month & a half without running. When I re-assembled the car and first started it, I discovered that my valve seals were shot. Apparently they dried up from sitting. That's been 4 1/2 years ago, and I'm still running strong.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

Yep, nothing to worry about. Just a little worn valve seals. lts not too unusual on high mileage engines. My old 2.8 used to do it. Crank it.. smoke....runs ok. It was just a first thing in the morning thing. (I dont think my old 2.8 liked getting up in the mornings any more than l did. =) )

Clayton

 

Well, I was back in my Camaro today very enexpectedly and everything is A-OK (other than it still being slower than ****) The Sable blew a head gasket I think. Damn fords! Whatever it is it is blowing antifreeze out the tailpipe. Dad and I assumed head gasket since it is a very common problem on the Ford 3.8s. It was nice to be back in the Camaro though, even if it is 2 seconds slower than the Sable. I just had to rush around and get insurance back on the thing and get a new tag. Made it to the tag place at 4:55 While I'm writing does any know what would case antifreeze to be blowing out the tailpipe? It is running hot too. It was running fine yesterday and today its all to hell. Thanx for anyhelp. I know its a ford but I don't think there are any Mercury Sable boards like this one. Even if there are I don't have time to look! Any help on his is apprieciated!

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Red 1986 SC, 2.8L, newly rebuilt 700R4, 3.42 Posi, t-tops, 133K miles and counting, K&N air filters, hopefully more to come!

 

I used to leave my car home during the week when i went to college and then come home for weekends and use the car. Whenever i would start it, i always got a lil puff of smoke out the pipes in back. As far as i know there isnt anything wrong with the car. Cept for a slight leak in the main seal which will b fixed soon as it warms up a bit.

I would say its jus dust or exhaust something or other settling and it just comes out whne u start it.

 

at my work we got a windstar as a trade in a little while ago. it had the 3.8L and it was puffing white smoke after 70,000 miles. we took it down to the ford dealer an it turned out the intake manifold gasket was leaking. just another possibility. if you replace the head gaskets, you 'll replace the intake manifold gaskets anyway.



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Dan
1990 3.1L RS
80 Series Flowmaster
It's fast(er than a 3 cyl metro)