[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference terri::cars_uk

Title:Cars in the UK
Notice:Please read new conference charter 1.70
Moderator:COMICS::SHELLEYELD
Created:Sun Mar 06 1994
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2584
Total number of notes:63384

2319.0. "Smoke after steep downhills??" by NETRIX::"@BSO" (Andy Wigley) Mon Oct 03 1994 17:43

I have a Fiat Tipo (1.6 Petrol) that spews out a lot of smoke when I have gone 
down a long steep hill in low gear i.e. engine breaking. It's always done it, 
but recently its been getting worse.
It smokes for 20 - 30 seconds from the point where I use the accelarator again.

Obviously something is getting in where it shouldn't.

Anybody have any ideas what is happening?

- Andy
[Posted by WWW Notes gateway]
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
2319.1Worn valvesLARVAE::TILLING_SMon Oct 03 1994 18:095
    Try the valve guide oil seals/ worn valve guides.
    
    Simon.
    
    
2319.2FORTY2::HOWELLJust get to the point...Mon Oct 03 1994 18:182
    Does it do it when you start the car up, particularly after its been
    standing for a while? If so, this reflects .-1 even more.
2319.3could be guides, could be ringsGRANPA::BBELLMon Oct 03 1994 19:0920
    During engine braking, when any particular cylinder is in its intake
    stroke, the intake valve is open and the piston is going down drawing
    the combustible fuel/air mixture into the combustion chamber.  But if
    your foot is off the accelerator pedal, the carburetor valve is closed
    so a very strong vacuum is created within the cylinder.  This vacuum is
    what creates the engine braking.  It also tries to equalize the large
    difference in pressure by any other means possible.  If the gap between
    the valve stems and valve guides is great enough, or if the piston
    rings are worn, broken or not seated properly, this vacuum can draw oil
    into the combustion chamber.  In the case of rings and valve guides,
    motor oil is present in its normal role of lubricating the moving
    parts.
    
    While not as important as it used to be in older engines, this is one
    important reason to follow the break-in or wear-in procedures for a new
    engine; that is, to wear in the rings and guides properly to provide
    the proper mating surfaces which will seal out the motor oil.
    
    grins,
    bob
2319.4Not after left standingNETRIX::"@BSO"Mon Oct 03 1994 19:2313
Re .2

No, I've never seen this after it's been left standing, only when running downhill.

Thanks for the responses.

If it is worn Piston rings or valve guides, is this life-threatening? It runs fine
currently but it's going for service tomorrow, and I wonder whether I should mention it?

I imagine fixing it could be expensive.

- Andy
[Posted by WWW Notes gateway]
2319.5FORTY2::HOWELLJust get to the point...Mon Oct 03 1994 19:4117
    When my piston rings went, more smoke came out of the engine breathers
    than the exhaust. When I was coasting no smoke was visable out of the
    engine breathers, and a VERY little could be seen out of the exhaust.
    
    Vice versa applies, under throttle the exhaust smoke went away but
    there was a MAJOR amount of smoke pouring out of every engine
    breather!!
    
    Seeing as you don't find any effect after standstill, presuming it's
    something serious and bearing in mind I'm an evil pessimistic little
    blighter, I'd say your piston rings are shot. But then I would. I've
    had it happen to me :-)
    
    Dan
    
    P.S. Yes it is expensive. I needed a new engine. Ouch. It depends on
    your engine, of course. Tipo blocks might be linered, etc...
2319.6Inlet guide?BLKPUD::ROWEMFrank Gamballi's Trousers!Mon Oct 03 1994 20:146
    I'll have 2:1 on a worn inlet valve guide, exhaust guide would smoke
    after being stood? rings would blow oil vapour out of the breather.
    
    Matt.
    
    ps. I was wrong on the rumbly Nova, maybe I'll be lucky on this.....
2319.7WELSWS::HILLNIt's OK, it'll be dark by nightfallTue Oct 04 1994 11:4821
    First disconnect the pipe that should run from the engine to the air
    inlet, which stops the oil mist venting directly to atmospheer.
    
    Then do one of these downhill runs and whilst its still smoking, stop
    the car and open the bonnet.
    
    If the smoke is all coming from the exhaust pipe then it's the valve
    guides.
    
    If it's all coming from the engine breather then it's the rings.
    
    If it's coming from both then it's rings and guides.
    
    Then reconnect the breather.
    
    If it's rings then it's a costly bottom half engine.
    
    If it's guides then it's a slightly less costly top end.
    
    If it's both then it's a complete recon engine, which is cheaper than a
    strip down and rebuild of the pistons and valves.