MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Maintenance, Problems & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: Cabin UK on August 24, 2023, 13:47

Title: Engine Smoke Advice
Post by: Cabin UK on August 24, 2023, 13:47
Hi

I have a 2004 Mk3, standard 1.8VVT engine. It just passed the latest MOT, but advisory of blue smoke. I have have the full exhaust system replaced however it is still burning oil. The garage are not confident, even with the new exhaust and CAT that it will pass emissions next year.

Any advise on how to reduce the smoking/oil burning without a top engine rebuild? If not, any idea what sort of costs I'm looking at?

Thanks in advance.

Chris
Title: Re: Engine Smoke Advice
Post by: Carolyn on August 24, 2023, 14:36
Engine out and a thorough rebuild will be around £1200.  I've rebuilt a few myself and it's over £300 in parts plus machining (head skim) honing plus you might as well put in a new clutch  while the engine is out.

I wouldn't do it for less than £1200, (not that I do it for others) knowing the work and time involved.

One of our members @mr2garageswindon, who is a pro, would probably give a more accurate estimate.
Title: Re: Engine Smoke Advice
Post by: Cabin UK on August 24, 2023, 14:46
Thanks, It's not majorly bad as it is, and the car has always been oil thirsty......that's all old Jap cars right lol.

I'm hoping to avoid a rebuild if at all possible!
Title: Re: Engine Smoke Advice
Post by: mr2garageswindon on August 24, 2023, 15:57
I'd be replacing the pcv valve 1st if it hasn't already been done.
I have also had some success putting a small amount of diesel down the plug holes and left for a day or 2.
Obviously an oil change after..
Title: Re: Engine Smoke Advice
Post by: Topdownman on August 24, 2023, 18:56
I would speak to Nathan at Mr2s in Willenhall. He's a sound guy who will give you good advice about what to do from here.
Title: Re: Engine Smoke Advice
Post by: Dblock on August 25, 2023, 03:18
Quote from: mr2garageswindon on August 24, 2023, 15:57I'd be replacing the pcv valve 1st if it hasn't already been done.
I have also had some success putting a small amount of diesel down the plug holes and left for a day or 2.
Obviously an oil change after..

What did that do? Diesel to unstick the rings or clean them or something else?
Title: Re: Engine Smoke Advice
Post by: Joesson on August 25, 2023, 08:39
Quote from: Dblock on August 25, 2023, 03:18What did that do? Diesel to unstick the rings or clean them or something else?

Sounds to me like the Redex  bore soak of my younger years, said to dissolve deposits on piston rings.
There was also the Redex tune up where Redex was trickled through the carburettor choke with the engine running. Said to ungum the valves. Certainly generated smoke.
Never heard t of it doing any harm, except add to air pollution perhaps.