| Subject: | Montero smoking at startup |
| Question: | Hi Anthony, I have a 6 cylinder fuel injection 1991 Mitsubishi Montero with 125000 miles. It emits a massive amount of bluish-gray smoke at startup and until it warms up completly. The amount of smoke has increased over time. Once it warms up the smoke tapers off to minimal amount or stops. The engine was rebuilt about 20000 miles ago. One possible related factor is that if I do not start it for a few days it has trouble starting and smells like gas, as if it is flooded. If you start it everyday it starts right up. I took it to a dealership for this problem and they could not figure out what the problem was. I thought that it might be a problem with the emmission system or with a fuel injector. Any ideas? thanks, Mike |
| Answer: | Mike, It sounds to me that you may need a valve job, or maybe just a new valve gasket. Keep an eye on your oil level. If you notice that your oil level drops below the minimum mark, and that you have add more than a quart every 1000 miles or less, you are leaking (most likely burning) oil. I would guess either your valve guides or your valve seals are worn. When your seals or guides are worn, oil will drips down into your spark plug wells and build up. When you let your car sit for a day or two, you can accumualate enough oil in the wells that can make your engine difficult to start. You may want to inquire as what was replaced, or just reconditioned, when you engine was rebuilt. Also, have your oxygen sensor checked. It's possible that it has burned out. Here are a couple quick and inexpensive things you can try first before opting to go for a valve job. Replace your PCV valve. If you valve is clogged, it'll allow crankcase pressure to build, and could force oil into your plug wells. Your PCV valve should be replaced every year or so; especially in a car with the amount of miles and years you have on yours. Another thing you can do is to change your oil, using an older engine treatment. There are a few brands out that will specifically say if they are meant for older engines. Also, use 10w-30 weight oil. Most places will recommend a 5w-30 (especially in the winter), but a thicker oil like 10w-30 will not leak past your valve seals as easily. Your Mitsubishi also falls within a number of Mitsubishis
that are known to have a certain problem with their ECUs
(the car's computer). You can read about this problem here: |