Engine smokes

Jessie · 08-02-2008, 04:46 PM

Got an 88 chev 3500 454. Compression is 180 lbs per cylinder, no knocks just has 207 thousand miles on it. Engines smokes a light grayish smoke bad but I can't see any oil usage. Smokes both when you accelerate and let off. If I rework the heads do you think my problem will be solved? Any input appreciated. By the way this is the newest vehicle I own. Most are 50's and 60's. What is the life in mileage of this engine? Engine sounds good and runs smooth. Hasn't fowled any plugs etc. No cat converter, pump etc. just summit turbo mufllers on 3" pipes.

junior3382 · 08-02-2008, 04:54 PM

You know, maybe I have this backwards, but I thought that bluish smoke indicated an oil seepage, and grayish or whittish smoke indicated water seepage? Either way, with no fouled plugs, strong compression, no gas or water in the oil... and no unusual sounds... I would say it sounds to me like the motor simply has 207,000 miles on it

I would have suggested an possible breakdown of the honeycomb in the converter, but with none... then...hmmmmm.... If I am right about the colors of smoke however, could it be possible there is some moisture in the fuel tank? Just a thought. As for longevity, any engine will run forever, if you maintain it... So I am not sure how toi answer with comfidence the question of life expectancy of your 454... sorry.

mudseeker · 08-02-2008, 05:11 PM

it may just being getting too much fuel.................or i'm just an idiot.

75K30 · 08-02-2008, 06:42 PM

How bad is the smoke? Let it smoke, and go with it. If it is running well, and not using oil, dont fix it if it aint broke.
Al kidding aside (though I was not really kidding) you should determine why, or what is causing the smoke.
You may verify that all of the fluids are correct, and up to level.
Gray smoke would indicate an incomplete fuel consumption, or combustion. This could be from a weak spark, improper fuel management, emissions system malfunction (EGR), timing is incorrect, and even a dirty air filter. Yes even a dirty air filter can cause this.
Weak spark can still spark, but might not be enough to complete an efficient burn, and this could even come from tired old spark plug wires.

If the smoke is not black, or blue, or even white, you are probably just experiencing some minor tuning issues that can easily be resolved without tearing apart the engine.
200 k miles is getting up there, so be careful when taking things apart.
In other words if the thing is working, then let it continue to work. A little smoke is only a small indication that something is not 100%, but with a 200k mile engine, there are eceptions to perfection.
MAybe a little smoke could be tolerated.

08-02-2008, 04:46 PM	#1
Jessie Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 93	Engine smokes Got an 88 chev 3500 454. Compression is 180 lbs per cylinder, no knocks just has 207 thousand miles on it. Engines smokes a light grayish smoke bad but I can't see any oil usage. Smokes both when you accelerate and let off. If I rework the heads do you think my problem will be solved? Any input appreciated. By the way this is the newest vehicle I own. Most are 50's and 60's. What is the life in mileage of this engine? Engine sounds good and runs smooth. Hasn't fowled any plugs etc. No cat converter, pump etc. just summit turbo mufllers on 3" pipes.

08-02-2008, 04:54 PM	#2
junior3382 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Currently, I live in Lancaster country, Pennsylvania. Posts: 2,974	You know, maybe I have this backwards, but I thought that bluish smoke indicated an oil seepage, and grayish or whittish smoke indicated water seepage? Either way, with no fouled plugs, strong compression, no gas or water in the oil... and no unusual sounds... I would say it sounds to me like the motor simply has 207,000 miles on it I would have suggested an possible breakdown of the honeycomb in the converter, but with none... then...hmmmmm.... If I am right about the colors of smoke however, could it be possible there is some moisture in the fuel tank? Just a thought. As for longevity, any engine will run forever, if you maintain it... So I am not sure how toi answer with comfidence the question of life expectancy of your 454... sorry. __________________ Lets get some mud on the tires...eh?!?!? OWN: 1998 Chevy Blazer ls 4x4 4.3l Vortec V6 1998 Mazda B3000 SE 4WD 3.0L V6 3" lift 31x10.50 Liberator A/T's

08-02-2008, 05:11 PM	#3
mudseeker mod-o-tator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 4,059	it may just being getting too much fuel.................or i'm just an idiot. __________________ member map add yourself

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08-02-2008, 06:42 PM	#4
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,544	How bad is the smoke? Let it smoke, and go with it. If it is running well, and not using oil, dont fix it if it aint broke. Al kidding aside (though I was not really kidding) you should determine why, or what is causing the smoke. You may verify that all of the fluids are correct, and up to level. Gray smoke would indicate an incomplete fuel consumption, or combustion. This could be from a weak spark, improper fuel management, emissions system malfunction (EGR), timing is incorrect, and even a dirty air filter. Yes even a dirty air filter can cause this. Weak spark can still spark, but might not be enough to complete an efficient burn, and this could even come from tired old spark plug wires. If the smoke is not black, or blue, or even white, you are probably just experiencing some minor tuning issues that can easily be resolved without tearing apart the engine. 200 k miles is getting up there, so be careful when taking things apart. In other words if the thing is working, then let it continue to work. A little smoke is only a small indication that something is not 100%, but with a 200k mile engine, there are eceptions to perfection. MAybe a little smoke could be tolerated.