1992 lumina smoking after idle

[wucka]

I have a 1992 Lumina Euro 3.1. The car runs great, however, it smokes a little after idle, like after stopping at a light. I have been using an additive to control the smoke but am tired of adding oil and additive. Anyone know the answer? Thanks.

[jeffcoslacker]

Probably bad valve guides/seals. The high vacuum at idle sucks oil into the cylinders and it burns out when you open the throttle. Might check your PCV system though, just to rule it out.

[wucka]

Originally Posted by wucka

I have a 1992 Lumina Euro 3.1. The car runs great, however, it smokes a little after idle, like after stopping at a light. I have been using an additive to control the smoke but am tired of adding oil and additive. Anyone know the answer? Thanks.

Thanks for the info. Now, where is the pcv valve located on this car? Thanks again.

[jeffcoslacker]

I think on yours it goes into the rear valve cover, and is overlapped by the upper intake, making it hard to impossible to get to. Put a mirror back behind there and see if you can get it out without taking anything off.

[jeffcoslacker]

Does it smoke when you first start it in the morning? That is typical of valve seal/guide wear, as oil is leaking into the chambers while sitting and burning off when you start it. If not, it could be something else. You said you are loosing oil, and oil treatment helps? So we can rule out a leaking vacuum modulator for the tranny. That's another thing that will cause smoking like you describe.

[wucka]

Originally Posted by jeffcoslacker

Does it smoke when you first start it in the morning? That is typical of valve seal/guide wear, as oil is leaking into the chambers while sitting and burning off when you start it. If not, it could be something else. You said you are loosing oil, and oil treatment helps? So we can rule out a leaking vacuum modulator for the tranny. That's another thing that will cause smoking like you describe.

Thanks again. The car does not smoke at start up only after idle...It does however have some lifter noise. Thanks so much.