Light blue smoke from the exhaust

Hi,

Blue smoke is oil burning in the combustion chamber and coming out the exhaust.

I would suggest checking the oil level each time you fill up with gas just to make sure you are not getting low. Then keep a case of oil in the trunk so that you can top it off as needed.

This is caused by the rings not keeping the oil out of the combustion chamber and will only get worse. If the engine was overfilled with oil then that will cause the same thing because the crankshaft will splash the oil up onto the cylinder walls and gets burned out that way. Once it is put back to the proper level this will stop.

Here is a guide that explains the condition in a little more detail:

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

Let me know if you have questions.

Good evening,

Blue smoke indicates burning oil.

I would have a wet and dry compression test done. If there is a difference of more than 15% on each cylinder, the rings are worn and that is the reason for the smoke.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Roy

Can you still drive it like that?

Yes, you can but keep an eye on the oil level.

Roy

Okay, thanks for your time.

You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy

Would the light blue smoke go away if it’s been sitting probably not the issue though just wondering.

No, not really.

There is oil in the cylinders and that's why it is burning blue.

Roy

I agree. The issue is the bottom ring on one or multiple of the pistons is allowing oil into the combustion chamber. So when he says that it’s burning oil that’s how it’s getting in there. If the car has been sitting more than likely these rings are seized and allowing oil past them. There is a small chance that as the car is run they could release and start blocking the oil again but this is a very small chance.

Roy‘s advice of just checking the oil level regularly is your best course of action at this point and get as much life out of the engine as possible.

Then that’s what I will do.

Keep us updated.

Roy

I will keep you updated and how much to fix probably not worth fixing.

You would be talking about an engine overhaul.

That would be around $3,000.00 to $4,000.00.

Roy

I am running it until it dies then I will keep filling the oil.

Sounds like a plan.

Roy

How many miles can you go if your burning oil but filling it?

You can go a lot of miles. Just do not let it get low in oil.

Roy