55.2-59 Engine Maintenance

[2bo.c10]

Hi Everyone, Got the ol' girl started today after finishing the brake system and I'm getting a bit of thin smoke out of the exhaust. I havent started the truck in about a month but I was getting the thin smoke then too. What are some "tune up" things I can do to ensure the engine is running in tip-top shape and try to figure out how to mitigate the smoke? The smoke is "thin" and its hard to tell the color - its not black its grayish- white...

[mongocanfly]

Does the smoke clear up after a few minutes of running?....maybe a blueish looking smoke?.... could be valve seals if this is true...

[MiraclePieCo]

My experience: Rings will often be sticky after a vehicle sits for an extended period. Drive it a bunch and see it the smoke doesn't stop.

[2bo.c10]

Looks like I just had to run it for a few minutes. I drove it to the front yard, let it run for about 10 min and there was no smoke! Yes! One problem averted - on to the next!

[nvrdone]

could have just been condensation from sitting for a long period of time. my 327 does that if it hasn't been run at least every few months

[MiraclePieCo]

Originally Posted by MiraclePieCo

My experience: Rings will often be sticky after a vehicle sits for an extended period. Drive it a bunch and see it the smoke doesn't stop.

You're welcome.

[dsraven]

could be just the choke pulled out a bit too far or running a bit too rich. this can cause oil burning.
obvious questions are
-oil level (not over filled)
-last oil change date
-grade and quality of engine oil
-last time engine was run up to operating temp for extended periods, not just idled to keep things lubed and moving. the "keep things lubed up" is good except that if the engine is not operated at normal temps for an extended period every once in awhile it will not have a chance to burn off any "light ends" (like fuel that has made it down past the rings when running rich for short periods) that get into the oil. that means the oil isn't the proper grade anymore so it is thinner and can cause smoke in the exhaust
-condition of breather vent, if this is necked down from build up or it is not functioning properly pressure can build inside the engine and cause oil to get past the rings and valve seals

anyway, if it warms up and goes away, mind the choke when it is warming up. too much choke = smoke

[mr48chev]

Black = gas/fuel
Blue = oil
White = water

Water doesn't necessarily mean a leak, it can be condensation that accumulates in the pipes and muffler in cooler weather.

With today's gas that may well be the smoke you get when it runs rich while the choke is still partially closed and nothing is actually wrong. You just notice it a bit more lately.