Smoking only when warmed up?

[Dude3000zx]

I think it may be a stuck oil control ring on one of the pistons because on a cold start there is no puff of smoke or anything. Only happens once the car has warmed up, and it only seems to do it at idle.

Ive had this problem happen before and after i did an oil change and a couple miles it stopped the smoking but now its suddenly back.

Does this sound like a stuck oil control ring or does it sound like a blown ring? it really does not sound like valve stem seals to me since i dont have smoke in the morning or during a cold start.

thanks!

[GSTurbo1]

Are you losing coolant, if so probably headgasket.

[Dude3000zx]

no not losing coolant only oil.

[nickk90]

I had the same problem. Valve stem seals were bad.

[jb2zero0six5]

I know 420a's valve stem seals always seem to go out..

[miguelmcv]

As Nickk90 stated, Valve seals is your problem, If you used thin oil when oil change, It is easier to notes, If you use thicker oil, It will be less smoke, less oil burn,.

The reason why it smokes only when warm, is because the oil is thicker when is cold and once it heats, it gets thinner and will cause your issue.

[jayson427]

Originally Posted by miguelmcv

As Nickk90 stated, Valve seals is your problem, If you used thin oil when oil change, It is easier to notes, If you use thicker oil, It will be less smoke, less oil burn,.

The reason why it smokes only when warm, is because the oil is thicker when is cold and once it heats, it gets thinner and will cause your issue.

or your rings are bad and the clearence gets bigger when the metal expands. i would do a compression check then that will tell you if its rings or valve steams. use lucus oil stabilizer with your oil and it well help

[3kgt2nv]

or your rings are bad and the clearence gets bigger when the metal expands. i would do a compression check then that will tell you if its rings or valve steams. use lucus oil stabilizer with your oil and it well help

on rings as they heat they expand to close the end gap. thats why if the end gap is to small you can lock the ring in the cylinder or worse break the ring lands and grooves

[Dude3000zx]

Is there any additive that can help the valve stems soften up and seal again? Id like to avoid tearing into it right now if possible. I mean the car runs great and has plenty of power but it just puffs smoke and thats embarrasing.

[BLOHS7844]

Full synthetic oil will soften seals to an extent. A thicker oil will leak slower too. How quickly are you losing oil?

Just know if you do decide to replace the seals, you have to replace your head gasket, exhaust manifold gasket, intake mani gasket, etc. You also have to do the timing then too.

How many miles does your timing belt have? It might be a good time to do change that along with other timing components if you have to remove your head.

Altogether your looking at maybe $200-$300 at the VERY least if you do the timing components too. I'm not sure the prices of the N/T parts compared to the turbo ones but you could very easily spend a couple hundred more than that if you do it right.

[MJcanada]

its possible your turbo seals have started leaking. it wouldn't smoke till turbo is hot and will clear while driving. then when you come to a,start it will gradually start again.

[BLOHS7844]

420a bud

[mchustle]

Originally Posted by MJcanada

its possible your turbo seals have started leaking. it wouldn't smoke till turbo is hot and will clear while driving. then when you come to a,start it will gradually start again.

Where would said turbo seals be on a n/a 420a?

[MJcanada]

haha my, bad clicked on, wrong persons profile. yeah stems seals bro. lol

[Dude3000zx]

Thanks everyone, will be changing to thicker oil for the time being.
valve stem replacment soon in the next few months.