Head problems?

[Airhead426]

For starters, I am new to dsmtuners. Along with that I tried to make sure I posted in the right section and search my problem (very time consuming many results) before posting a new thread.

I have a bone stock automatic '97 Eclipse GS 420a with 130k miles, this is my first car (not vehicle) and I've mainly worked on straight-6 and big block V8 trucks with my friends.

At idle and (sometimes) acceleration my Eclipse blows anywhere from a little bit to a full blown ..what us diesel boys refer to as "coal train" (except with blue, not black, smoke) it's actually quite funny running a coal train on everybody on the freeway... but seriously how serious is my problem? I've got it narrowed down to the Valve Stem Seals (not as likely) to my head gasket (the culprit being burnt coolant?) I'm going to vocational school for diesel mechanics therefor I have all the essentials+ to do an engine overhaul. So, where should I start first as testing wise goes, and how hard is to replace: Valve Stem Seals, Head Gasket on my 420a? I really need main pointers, tips, and suggestions so I can take care of this and hopefully soon enough start in the right direction from either head work (either milled or bored) all the way to a turbo swap, ECU, and fuel management/delivery.

Thanks, and sorry for the long paragraph.
-Andrew

 

[96eclipzGsT]

If its blue smoke, you are definitely burning oil. It could be cracked piston, worn cylinders, valve guides etc. I would just plan on a complete rebuild if you are going to fix it.

 

[blade970]

Reall, if you have all the essentials to overhaul the engine anyways, you might as well just do it. Good experience, and you know FOR SURE that its gonna be right.

 

[#40Fan]

The valve seals on these engines are good for about 100k miles. Replace them.