Smoking

[rcarrier]

Ok here is the deal , i have got oil coming from the head on the #3 cylinder leaking into the exhaust manifold, causing it to smoke, my question is , is it the oil rings letting it go by, or could it be a cracked head? The motor has around 12,000 miles on it, just started this all of a sudden, done a compression test 160 across the board, am running 22 in of vaccuum at idle, car pulls like a beast, but smokes . Any clue how to check this problem?

 

[romeen]

Most likely the valve stem seals. If the exhaust manifold is off try sticking your finger in there and see if oil is coming down the valve stem.

 

[rcarrier]

Dont have the header off, but will take it off tommorow, thanks for the help.

 

[Defiant]

Rings can't leak to the outside. If they were passing enough oil to show on the manifold, you'd be putting out a smokescreen like a Japanese destroyer in Truk Lagoon.

 

[rcarrier]

Thanks for the help guys, got the new valve stem seals put in, no more smoke, they were pretty bad to only have a few miles on them.
But it did overheat once on me i guess it fried em.