96 Civic EX

I can not figure out when I am getting the oil staining on the back bumper.

Basically, since it is so cold out I can not determine if it is smoking at start up or is it condensation from the cold.

When I drive and the car is warm I do not see any real smoke out the back.

I spoke to a shop and they said if it is at start up might be valve seals, is this right?

If it is constantly smoking are chances it is the rings?

I know I can do the leak down test, I just wanted to get an idea if the statements are right?

 

Um what? Just do the tests you know you need to do.

 

could be numerous things i know when my rear main seal was bad it would leave oil specks all over the rear of the car. so its kinda hard to pin down. it could be burnt oil through the combustion chamber (rings,seals,etc...)or just an oil leak somewhere.

 

I didn't know a rear main can do that, my rear main is leaking as well.

 

Is it actual oil specks or is it just staining from the exhaust. What color is your car?

 

It is red, looks like oil spotting, very tiny specs. Not carbon.

Seemed to get appear after getting a header put on..........can that have anything to do with it?

 

Maybe it's the coating burnIng off the inside?

 

I wish, but this def oil.

 

welcome to my hell, i have a "white" hatch with the stock CX motor. The motor is in pretty sad shape and i clean my bumper weekly. The only way i know for oil to make it out the exhaust is valve seals or piston rings. i would start looking for a transplant motor, unless you are capable or rebuilding yourself. Good luck!