Blue smoke coming from passenger side exhaust

1969 CHEVROLET NOVA
2,000 MILES • 6.5L • V8 • 2WD • MANUAL
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JOHN W SEIDLER
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The 396 engine was completely rebuilt 2,000 miles ago. It is blowing blue smoke from passenger side exhaust . A lot on initial start. slight when at operating temperature. At one point the motor overheated to 230 degrees for 5 minutes due to a mechanic failing to fill radiator after maintenance.
Jan 8, 2021 at 1:10 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning,

Blue smoke on startup usually comes from valve seals leaking oil into the cylinder from sitting overnight.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/blue-smoke-from-engines-exhaust

The seals could be bad or the valve guides may be worn and the seals are not able to keep the oil out of the cylinder.

Hopefully, the machine shop that serviced the heads use the umbrella seals for the valves instead of the stock O rings that were used.

Roy
Jan 8, 2021 at 3:23 AM