I'm still having puff of smoke on start-ups on my 88 V6 2.8. It runs fine and plugs aren't fouled. Just that embarrassing puff of smoke on start-up only and always near the ford guys. I just replaced the valve seals without removing the heads but I took a stem to guide clearance and it was at max (I think .0028) on the exhaust. Would the smoking be caused because of the exhaust valves being at max but not over? I checked compression and it was all even and within specs so I'm assuming valve guides. Tell me what you guys think before I remove the heads and have it done properly at the machine shop. It's just that I was hoping not to spend to much money as I have plans on saving up on a V8 tpi swap someday. Any oil additives that you can recommend? All inputs are appreciated.

Mike

 

are you sure you got the value seals in right----cause that sounds like a valve seal problem

 

I'm quite sure, The intake has the full cap style seals with an oring on the top but the exhaust only has the oring. I can quite understand how that little oring is going to stop oil from creeping down the valve being located way up there.

 

What is this o-ring type of seal? Is it a type of cap that fits onto the guide?

 

Mike it's like early chevy sb. Little square cut oring that fits on the lower groove about 3/16" from the top lock grooves. I find it strange that they didn't put umbrella style on both intake and exhaust. I've worked with Ford, Toyota, and Datsun engines and all the valves are sealed with umbrella seals that fit tightly around the v/guide.

I don't have to many machine shops in my area but I'll try calling them to see if they can machine all my guides to fit umbrella seals and still use my stock style spring set up.

 

Thats what I question. I have never seen anything that used two different seals. And the umbrella style wont fit the guides?