My ls/vtec smokes really bad when I launch it (especially in 1st gear) into VTEC, then let the it engine brake before I use the brakes (mainly stoplight to stoplight or if someone is in front of me). It will still continue to smoke for a few seconds after I have come to a stop until the oil has all burnt off.

I just put new valve stem seals in and that didn't do anything.

I'm using an Endyn catch can/breather setup.

Are my rings gone or what? If so, is it just the oil control rings? I have good compression and leak down.

 

anyone?

 

Does it smoke in other gears like say a 3rd gear pull? Higher rpms?
Were you able to check for valveguide wear while putting on the seals?
Does the oil seem to get dirty quickly?

 

It smokes in other gears but only when VTEC engages.

I was not able to check valve guide wear because really, I do not know how and never researched how to. I just assumed that they either be changed or not.

I'm thinking about tearing it back down again, sucks because I just did it in October but I hate the smoke, its just too much.

As far as the oil getting dirty quickly, I would have to say not really.. I change it ever 2500-3000 so not really sure. It does get dirty though.

 

I dont believe worn valve guides will cause you to smoke excessively like worn rings do...
How your describing the smoke at high rpms also sounds like rings.
I ask about the dirty oil because when one of my past engines started getting "tired", I noticed the oil would dirty well before its next scheduled oil change...

 

Is it blue, black, grey smoke? How did you break in your motor and what oil did you use? I've seen people's engine smoke after a rebuild, they heard the proper break in technique was to hold the engine at 3000 rpms on neutral with synthetic oil, the rings never seated.

 

A compression/leak down test will be able to answer your questions better than any of us. Come back with results.

Also don't valve seals seal the guides?