I have a 95 legend SE, 105,000 miles which started smoking real bad as soon as it gets up to temp. Seems to be oil smoke, so I suspect bad valve stem seals, rather than head gasket or rings. Runs and idles smooth, seems to have plenty of power. Local mechanic suggests replacing engine w/ used japanese engine, but I'm a bit short of cash. 2 questions: any simple way to determine if valve stem seals are bad (other than pulling valve covers and poking them!)? Second, how hard a job is replacing the seals? I am a moderately fair shade tree mechanic. Any suggestions appreciated, TIA

 

i would start with a cylinder leak down and that will point you in the direction you need to go.but from what your saying it may be rings since the engine come to operating temps and the rings may be at their limit.

 

Thanks for the reply. I will check compression today (just got car back from body shop). Just a thought: does this model have a vacuum modulator? It is down a little on trans fluid, do you think this could be source of smoke? TIA, John

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by towerguy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Just a thought: does this model have a vacuum modulator? It is down a little on trans fluid, do you think this could be source of smoke? TIA, John</TD></TR></TABLE>

No, it doesn't have a vacuum modulator. It's 100% electronically controlled.

 

do yo uknwo wat part of te motor it is smoking from? near the trany dip stick? by chance?

 

Thanks for the info. I checked compression, all cylinders range of 170-190 psi, plugs look normal. I guess the detective work continues!

 

Smoke from exhaust only.