Hi there

I just got the headgasket/valveguides(came with kit) replaced on my 3.4l 95' V6 camaro, and when I start it EVERY time I get a puff of blue smoke that you can VERY clearly smell oil in...

Is this any cause for concern, or just a side effect of the replaced valve guides?

 

Did you replace the valve seals, or did you leave them out? Also the clearance between valve stem and guide could be too big. Blue smoke at startup indicates oil got into the combustion chamber after the engine was shut down. Usually the result of bad valve seals, worn gudes or valve stems, or too much oil collecting under the valve covers due to restricted drain back. Were the proper gaskets used? It won't hurt the engine as long as you replace the burning oil, but it will eventually foul plugs and O2 sensors, clog the cat, and carbon up the combustion chamber. On top of being embarassing.

 

Ya its relatively embarassing. The guy who worked on the head gasket/valve slides does hundreds of cars a year for a bunch of major dealerships. I wouldnt think he wouldnt know what he was doing. The car runs fine, its just that damned oil burning off that bugs me so much. As long as its nothing serious, no oil seems to burn off when it comes to an ammount, Its literally a puff, but you can SMELL it.

 

Could be that one or more seals got torn when installed. I find it strange that valve gudes were included with the cam kit, as valve gudes are usually installed by a machine shop.

 

I really couldnt say on that one, I'd never heard of it either but he called me up when he purchased it and told me that "Valve Guides" came with it and that he would put them on for me since it was easy(?).

I don't know anything about it so I cant comment haha, I've definately never gotten valve guides for any of the cars I've done head gaskets on. Wish I had a lift in my garage, I would have done it myself [sm=signs003.gif].

Thanks pete.

 

I have the same problem with my 88 2.8. Throws a nice embarassing puff of smoke on every start-up. Even when warm. I did a recent valve seal replacement without removing the heads. I did take a dial indicator and found my exhaust valve guides to be on the looser side but still within specs. Like yours, my vehicle runs quite well and plugs aren't fouling. Just that embarassing start up. I switched to 40w which is a little thick but has helped alot but did not elliminate it. Here in Hawaii allows me to run the thick stuff but your climate may not allow you to do the same during winter.