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Classic/Antique Car Repair/blue smoke from tailpipe

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Expert: - 11/28/2007


Question
I am interested in purchasing a 1977 chevy el camino with 305 v8.  The car has a puff of blue smoke from tailpipe.  I was told that the piston O rings needed changing.  From what I have read this is pretty common.  Could there be something else that is wrong with the car to cause this blue smoking, what are some tell tale signs that this may be a bigger problem than old O rings.
Thanks

Answer
A puff of smoke when you goose the engine is usually a sign that there is some engine oil getting by the valve seals. I would recommend that you get a compression test done on the engine to determine the condition of the piston rings and the ability of the engine to hold compression. The valve seal leakage was a common problem in this era Chevy and others and usually can be lived with. The repair is not that difficult and can in most cases be done without removing the cylinder heads.
Good luck.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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