A little guessing game

[Toastedlightly]

So, a little back story first.
I have a 1986 Ford Thunderbird Turbocoupe.
I burn oil.
The turbo was replaced with a rebuilt unit.
When started, the car has a quick burst of smoke, then no more at idle.
After idling for awhile, when the gas is stepped on, a slight clould emits from the pipe.
If idling for only a second then stepping on the gas, no cloud is emitted.
Car has a vacuum leak.
Vacuum leak may be into the valve cover, as when the oil filler is off, suction is felt and the idle drops.

So, could this possibly be valve stem seals?

I haven't peformed a comp check, but I should.
I'll be rebuilding to motor in a month or so. Therefore, this isn't a big deal. I just wanna know what causes stuff like this for future reference.

Also, should I try some AutoRX? I figure it would help clean the engine a bit before the rebuild as well.

 

[bruceb]

Yes, it very well could be valve guide seals at that age.
It could also be worn piston rings. Also check the engines
PCV Valve .. they are cheap and if bad cause all types of problems.

 

[woodie1]

If upon starting there is a blue cloud from the exhaust it is most likely the valve oil seals leaking.
A compression check should confirm this.

 

[Toastedlightly]

Ack, didn't mean to update!

 

[alpineranger]

Originally posted by: woodie1
If upon starting there is a blue cloud from the exhaust it is most likely the valve oil seals leaking.
A compression check should confirm this.

You mean the rings, right? I think a leakdown test would be required to pinpoint the problem if this was the case. A valve guild or valve stem seal problem shouldn't manifest in a compression (or leakdown test).

 

[Toastedlightly]

Originally posted by: alpineranger

Originally posted by: woodie1
If upon starting there is a blue cloud from the exhaust it is most likely the valve oil seals leaking.
A compression check should confirm this.

You mean the rings, right? I think a leakdown test would be required to pinpoint the problem if this was the case. A valve guild or valve stem seal problem shouldn't manifest in a compression (or leakdown test).

I did a compression test. Rings are beautiful (as far as cranking compression goes)

156 psi cylinder 1
163 psi cylinder 2
158 psi cylinder 3
159 psi cylinder 4

not too bad for a motor with 140k round on it.

The compression check was to determine the state of the rings. Also, because I wanted to know a bit more about this engine before I decide to do anything to it.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Sounds like the valve stem seals and nothing to really worry about. My galaxie use to look like one of James Bond's cars when I first fired it up after sitting. When I finally did do a rebuild all of the valve stem seals were in the oil pan. So what all souping up are you going to do while rebuilding it? The machine shop will clean it before boring/honing it assuming you plan to send it to get machined.