Questions and Answers

Chevy Caprice Tapping And Smoking Q. My 1991 Chevy Caprice 5.0 liter V-8 has run well for the past 125,000 miles. Now I have a metal tapping noise that occurs at start-up and on hills and acceleration. The car does lose oil at about one quart per 5,000 miles and produces smoke on start-ups. I had a problem with the spark wire and replaced both the wires and plugs. Any directions? Thank you for being there to help. Respectfully, John

A. If you are getting a bluish colored smoke when starting and clears up in a few minutes, that's a pretty good indication of bad valve seals. If it is a whitish colored smoke, it's probably due to a head gasket going bad.

From what you are describing, it sounds like you have some engine ping going on. It could be a sign of a stretched timing chain. I would have the ignition timing checked and adjusted. If it persists, you're probably looking at a timing belt replacement soon.