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<DIV id=post_message_27260 YaPfr="12" pSKOD="0">92 LeSabre, 3.8, 135,000 miles.

Yesterday I was caught in major traffic jam in Nashville area for a half-hour. Looked in rearview mirror, noticed smoke (couldn't tell if blue or grey, but it was not white) at exhaust while idling at a stop. When I accellerated the smoke got a little heavier. At next opportunity, I put trans in neutral and revved engine to maybe 2500 rpm. Lots of blueish/greyish smoke. When traffic jam cleared, accelerated to speed limit 70. No smoke. On 90-mile drive home, no smoke at any time.

Checked water level this morning; right at the Full Cold mark. Checked oil. Down about two thirds of a quart in 1000 miles since oil change. I use synthetic.

Mechanic friend said it might be intake manifold gasket leak, which these engine are known for.

Questions: what are the usual symptoms for this? What is repair procedure? What else could it be if not manifold gasket? Thanks.</DIV>Edited by: miketx750

 

&lt; src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" =text/&gt; </>If you're not consuming coolant or too much oil, I would not be alarmed. Sounds to me like your valve seals might be leaking a bit, which is fairly normal at that mileage. Some GM engines, particularly those with aluminum heads, have had intake gasket problems, but I don't think the 3.8 is one of them.


Most consider a quart per thousand acceptable. If you don't, or it gets worse, youmight need a valve job (which wouldinclude new gaskets).


PS: In your mild climate and at your mileage, and particularly if you're using some oil, I don't think that the cost of synthetic oil can be justified.&lt; =text/&gt; _uacct = "UA-939292-42"; urchinTracker(); </>&lt; src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" =text/&gt; </>&lt; =text/&gt; _uacct = "UA-939292-42"; urchinTracker(); </>
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</>Edited by: MrBSS

 

Hi Mr BSS, thanks for the prompt reply.Until yesterday, I had no problems, but this oil useage (I checked again today, the smoke is blue, not grey) is acceptable and of course suggests I stick to regular oil, not synthetic, as you said. Thanks, Mike

 

that much oil consumption is NOT normal. for any climate. does it have blue smoke when you accelerate, or when it is idling. 135k miles, it shouldnt do that.





and the series ones didnt have the sam intake issues as the series 2. but i would still suggest changing the LIM gaskets for sure.


this is what my L67 looked like after only 130k miles

 

i just re-read your first post, and noticed the smoke was heavy during accelleration. that would indicate that the piston rings are worn.

 

Thanks so much. As it turns out, I discovered that the pcv valve was not working, replaced it, and the smoke has not returned since. Did a 500-mile trip to Chicago, not a puff. Am considering this thread closed. But will keep eye on oil useage. Thanks, so much for your help. mike