Workhorse 350 Smoking
 

Hello, I have a 350 workhorse that is smoking as soon as you start it. I haven’t had a chance to drive it around for a while yet to see if the smoking stops after it is warmed up. I adjusted the valves. The cart is lifted (maybe stock lift?) and I drained the oil to ensure it wasn’t overfilled. I added a few ounces less than 1.5 quartz back in and it is still smoking but again I haven’t had a chance to run it much and see if it goes away. Before I put a lot of time into it, is there a way to check the valve stem seals to know if they are the issue? Could it just be that I haven’t given it enough time to clear all of the oil out yet? Also, I did compression test it and one cylinder was 160 and the other was 165/170

Re: Workhorse 350 Smoking
 

Typically valve stem seals will smoke on first start up then clear up as it burns the oil off. If the smoking is constant, and your oil level is correct, then it's probably broken, worn, or sticking oil rings. You could use an oil detergent, or add a few ounces of ATF to clean up gummed up stuck rings on a long shot. If that doesn't work it's time to open it up for inspection. Severely worn valve guides could cause smoking as well.

Re: Workhorse 350 Smoking
 

Thanks for the reply. I will run it for a while tomorrow and update. If the oil rings were worn wouldn’t the compression be lower?

Re: Workhorse 350 Smoking
 

What color is the smoke?

Re: Workhorse 350 Smoking
 

The smoke is white

Re: Workhorse 350 Smoking
 

Maybe it’s just cold and needs to warm up

Re: Workhorse 350 Smoking
 

White smoke means it may have water in the gas, bluish grey means it burns oil.

Re: Workhorse 350 Smoking
 

Most people have a hard time distinguishing between white, gray, blue, or black smoke.

The dead giveaway is the smell. The smell of burning oil is unmistakable.