blows blue on start up.....

**ivan1** · 04-30-2009, 06:47 AM

Hey guys....the last couple of mornings I've noticed that on start up my camaro blows a bit of blue smoke then it goes away immmediatley...any thoughts? The car currently has 78000 miles on it.

**Wesman** · 04-30-2009, 09:31 AM

Blue smoke on startup is normally caused by leaking valve stem seals.

However, I've not heard of any real valve stem seal issues on LS motors, and your car only has 78K on it.

Firs thing I would check is the PCV system. Ensure that its functioning properly and isn't plugged up or disconnected.

What kind of oil do you run?? Its also possible that the oil drain holes in the head are plugged with sludge, causing excessive oil to be left in the head and letting it drain down the valve stems.

**67rsss** · 04-30-2009, 10:08 AM

Usually valve stem seals. Guides could be wearing also, but that is less common.

**ivan1** · 04-30-2009, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by Wesman

Blue smoke on startup is normally caused by leaking valve stem seals.

However, I've not heard of any real valve stem seal issues on LS motors, and your car only has 78K on it.

Firs thing I would check is the PCV system. Ensure that its functioning properly and isn't plugged up or disconnected.

What kind of oil do you run?? Its also possible that the oil drain holes in the head are plugged with sludge, causing excessive oil to be left in the head and letting it drain down the valve stems.

I usually run quaker 5w30, I'll check the PCV system for what you said. Thank you.

**Wesman** · 04-30-2009, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by ivan1

I usually run quaker 5w30, I'll check the PCV system for what you said. Thank you.

No prob. If the PCV looks clean and functions properly, you might want to pull a valve cover and inspect the cleanliness of the head. If you see gunked up oil everywhere, or pools of oil that aren't draining through the drainback holes, you've at least found part of your problem.