Oil smoke

JohnPom · Regular Joined: 06 Apr 2011 Posts: 23 Report to Moderator

Hi, just put a new water pump and head gasket on my TEA20.
Now it doesn"t use water or blow steam out of the head.
But, why is there oil "steam" coming from the oil filler? (Not filter).
Ta, john

Charles in Aus. · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 2:03 am Post subject: Re: Oil smoke

Compression blow by.

JohnPom · Regular Joined: 06 Apr 2011 Posts: 23 Report to Moderator

Leaking past the rings on compression?
Meaning worn sleeves or rings?

Ta john

JohnPom · Regular Joined: 06 Apr 2011 Posts: 23 Report to Moderator

Leaking past the rings on compression?
Meaning worn sleeves or rings?

Ta john

Charles in Aus. · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 1:14 pm Post subject: Re: Oil smoke

John , if it is truly oil smoke and not water vapour then it probably does point to worn rings .Best to check the compression of the engine to make sure . Placing your hand over the oil filler will sometimes allow you to feel the extent of any blow by.

Bob (Aust) · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 3:02 pm Post subject: Re: Oil smoke

John. Probably a long shot but it may also be gummed up piston rings? As I assume from the "Pom" that you are in the UK, there is one possible fix you could try before an engine rebuild.

On a "Wheeler Dealer" TV show on Discovery Channel, Edd China connected up a device to a homebuilt Cobra, ran the engine for 30 minutes cleaning the engine internals, improving compression and significantly reducing emissions. Apparently this service is now available from some mechanics in the UK.

Another thought prior to your next engine oil change is to add a liter of auto transmission fluid to the engine oil, run the engine for 15 minutes or so to hot, then change oil. That may free up the rings?

Another possible cure is to remove the air cleaner pipe from the carby, start engine and throttle up to 3/4 throttle and dribble Marvel Mystery Oil (if you can get it as I think it is only available in the USA) down the carby throat. If you can't get Marvel Mystery Oil you could use Red-X (or similar) upper cylinder lubricant.

If none of that works, you will need to rebuild the Standard engine which is a simple and inexpensive task if you have a service manual and go by the book. Rebuild kits containing all gaskets, new sleeves, new piston rings and new pistons were around US$500/UK£310.00 a year or two ago.

Bob in Oz
'53 TEA20

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