Strange oil burning problem

'96Bonnevillel67 · Post by **'96Bonnevillel67** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 5:24 pm

Here's the deal, I have a '96 SSEi and it recently started burning a noticeable amount of oil. (Smoke out of the exhaust.)

The thing is, it only does it at idle at operating temp. Doesn't burn a drop on warm-up, or when driving, (even hard) only when it sits for at least a 5min period idling. Doesn't run any different (pretty well tuned, no power/boost loss)

It does have new LIM gaskets as well.

Any ideas?

olblueeyesbonne · Post by **olblueeyesbonne** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 7:41 pm

It's called constant 6000 rpms for the past 30k miles.

willwren · Post by **willwren** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 9:42 pm

It has nothing to do with LIM gaskets. Your most likely cause is valve stem seals (inside the valve springs, visible through the springs with a flashlight if your valve covers are off).

'96Bonnevillel67 · Post by **'96Bonnevillel67** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 2:37 am

That's what I was thinking. But at ~180,000 miles? That's unusual for the numerous 3.8's I've owned.

Marty. Shush.

willwren · Post by **willwren** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:15 am

It happens from time to time. My bet is that you'll find one or two popped off inside your springs. That's what If found on ZiLLA's first motor.

olblueeyesbonne · Post by **olblueeyesbonne** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 4:08 pm

Time for some Viton valve stem seals.
Cameron has the compressor and valve spark plug adapter to compress the valves and valve spring tool for 3800's so we can do the valve seals. Should be a 2-3 hr job.
Might also be a good time to do your timing chain and tensioner/dampener, and maybe put in 105 # springs for all your high rpms.

00Beast · Post by **00Beast** » Tue Mar 30, 2010 7:15 pm

And would be a great time to install 1.9's or a cam....

'96Bonnevillel67 · Post by **'96Bonnevillel67** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 5:36 am

I'd be willing to do all that if I didn't have an actual designated track car already. This is supposed to be my DD, that was originally supposed to stay stock.....

Marty, 6k isn't high.

And I just f'n found out both (well, probably both) wheel bearings are gone while replacing the drivers side axle.

Mechanical Mike · Post by **Mechanical Mike** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 9:45 am

I'd check the PCV valve. It's probably a long shot but easy to check.

'96Bonnevillel67 · Post by **'96Bonnevillel67** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 9:56 am

Mechanical Mike wrote:I'd check the PCV valve. It's probably a long shot but easy to check.

Will be checking today. Really don't have the funds to dig into the valvetrain if the stem seals are the culprit.

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Strange oil burning problem

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