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Fuel and Oil Additives

1330 messages,  Last post on May 15, 2013 at 7:03 AM

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What is this discussion about? Fuel System, Engine, Fuel System, Oil, Diesel, Fuel Efficiency (MPG)

Messages Page 130 of 134

#1289 of 1330 Blowing lots of smoke by misterzz

Mar 20, 2010 (12:34 pm)

This is my first post, go easy on me. This question could be for almost any car but I do own a 1995 Saturn, 4cyl. For around two years, it blows out a TON of grey smoke. So thick, its still in the air seven minutes later. Yes, I keep up on the oil changes and no, it does not need oil added.
 
It does have over 330,000 miles. I can not afford a new car. My question.....is there an additive I can put in with the oil, even if it reduces the smoke? I did try a couple brands but it made no difference. Any help guys would be appreciated. Thanks, Steve

#1290 of 1330 Re: Blowing lots of smoke [misterzz] by texases

Mar 20, 2010 (1:41 pm)

Replying to: misterzz (Mar 20, 2010 12:34 pm)
At 330,000 miles, it's worn out. You could try 'Restore' oil additive, couldn't hurt, might help a little.

#1291 of 1330 Re: Blowing lots of smoke [misterzz] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 20, 2010 (2:20 pm)

Replying to: misterzz (Mar 20, 2010 12:34 pm)
So which IS it burning---it's either gas or oil or water in substantial amounts. Smoke comes from somewhere.

#1292 of 1330 Re: Blowing lots of smoke [misterzz] by misterzz

Mar 21, 2010 (7:54 am)

Sorry, its burning oil. I put in around 1.5 quarts a week. It burns it, no leaks. Steve

#1293 of 1330 Re: Blowing lots of smoke [misterzz] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 21, 2010 (8:22 am)

Replying to: misterzz (Mar 21, 2010 7:54 am)
Ah, okay.
 
Yeah, it's just internal engine wear, and there's nothing in a can that replaces worn metal. Sooner or later your neighbors will appear with pitchforks and torches at your front door, but until then, you can drive a car that burns oil a long long time without a catastrophe, as long as you keep oil in it.
 
Have you considered a good used engine---if the rest of the car is tip top, that might be considerably cheaper than buying an entirely new/used car.

#1294 of 1330 Re: Blowing lots of smoke [misterzz] by shipo

Mar 21, 2010 (8:37 am)

Replying to: misterzz (Mar 21, 2010 7:54 am)
In your case, there is little if anything you can do for your engine that will come out of a can. As I see it you have the following three options
 
1) Live with the oil consumption (and maybe throw in a hotter set of plugs which can sometimes eliminate much of the smoke)
 
2) Overhaul your engine; I'm thinking that you can probably have the cylinders bored out to .030", have the head refreshed, have the crank polished, buy new pistons, rings, bearings, and gaskets, for under $700. If you don't have access to a set of good tools and such, you'll most likely be able to rent what you need and still keep the job well under a grand.
 
3) Buy and install a used engine from a bone yard. This may take a bit of shopping but you should be able to take this route and do the entire job for as little as two to three hundred dollars.
 
Keep us posted.
 
Best regards,
Shipo

#1295 of 1330 Re: Blowing lots of smoke by misterzz

Mar 22, 2010 (1:06 am)

Thanks guys. The worse (but kind of funny) is at a red light with motorcycles behind me. I hit the gas and it looks like these bike gangs are about to kill me. They actually pull off to the side for a minute or two before moving on. I've made people standing at the bus stop pewk but hey, not much I can do. When it first starts up in the morning (cold engine) it runs pretty good for a while but after that.......its unreal. Steve

#1296 of 1330 Re: Blowing lots of smoke [misterzz] by shipo

Mar 22, 2010 (3:05 am)

Replying to: misterzz (Mar 22, 2010 1:06 am)
Try a hotter set of sparkplugs, that has worked for me in the past. Simply take the plugs that you have and up the number portion of the plug identifier one or two (or even three). Back in the 1970s Chevy Vegas were notorious for laying down a smoke screen, and hotter plugs almost always worked to kill off the smoke until the owner was able to have the block bored, sleeved and rebuilt.

#1297 of 1330 Re: Blowing lots of smoke [misterzz] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 22, 2010 (8:18 am)

Replying to: misterzz (Mar 22, 2010 1:06 am)
Actually if you do that to obnoxious types of motorcycles, I"ll chip in for your oil!

#1298 of 1330 Re: Blowing lots of smoke [misterzz] by euphonium

Mar 22, 2010 (8:30 am)

Replying to: misterzz (Mar 22, 2010 1:06 am)
Agree with the hotter plugs. In addition, change the oil to a heavier weight. If using 10/30, go to a 20/50 weight. Not a fix method of course, but will buy time.

Messages Page 130 of 134

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