Car is EB2 4 Litre, 240kms, bought with some cam exhaust and crappy lukey extractors.

This morning after about 5 mins of driving i went to around 4k and behind me was blue smoke . Now as far as I know this doesn't happen as bad when it's hot, only when it's warming up. If I go all the way to redline when hot there is some smoke but can only see at night when there are car lights behind me.

I have been reading through some sites and I think it could be 'valve stem seals'? Could it be these or even worse could it be piston rings. Under 'normal' driving the car is fine. If I rev it in neutral when warm nothing apart from maybe a puff of black smoke.

Has anybody had to change these, if so how much was a kit and is there a particular brand which is better than others? Is changing these a hard task, what tools will be required. I feel confident in doing this myself unless a mechanic can do it cheap.

Thanks for any tips, help, etc.

Thanks
Ben

yep id say its most likely Valve stem seals. have you had a compression test to see if the rings are worn? it can be a lengthy job to change the seals with the head on the Car. a fully reco head costs around $400-$450 + gaskets. so if you feel confident enough to pull the head off your self that would be the easiest way. a mechanic to do that kind of job will charge you an arm and a leg in labour.

ive always used the Permaseal (AA) Gasket kits. dont use the Eazy fit supercheap ones!!!!

Yes blue smoke is oil ...But realy I wouldn't wory about it too much..Keep good oil in it, not saying expensive just change it often.New oil doesn't show smoke as bad..It could also be running rich..Check fuel reg or lines to it, any leaks and it'll run rich as...Intake senser too...
Check plugs for any build up of carbon...
IMO if you are going to fix valve guides may as well do whole engine...

so what happens with the fuel reg to make it run rich? my ef has developed a fuel smell and when i get in the car in the morning it just reaks of petrol and i'm getting s**t economy too. all this seemed to start when i put a stage 2 crow cam in....any ideas?

PS: sorry for hijacking your thread!

My Stage 2 Crow cam is still working great.... - at holding the shed door open... (and it's handy for pounding s**t outta snakes too).

usually good test for valve stem seals is leave it idiling for 5-10 mins, rev the engine, if it blows smoke chances are it's the stem seals

And warn valve guides...

just be nice to her
its an old car with a lot of ks

easy fix, dont rev it when its cold !

Thanks guys! Yeah I think it's running rich, sometimes doesn't idle properly when hot, still goes fine and doesn't use any fluids, I've been thinking about buying an engine and just doing that up and when ready drop it in.

Thanks again
Ben