Questions and Answers

Talon Blowing Blue Smoke Q. I own a 1991 Eagle Talon TSi (16 valve, 2.0 liter, DOHC, automatic transmission, 173,000 km, ABS brakes, fully loaded). I only had this car for six months and so far, I replaced the alternator, brakes, water pump, timing belt (basic maintenace), and numerous hoses for anti-freeze.

I thought my troubles were over until I noticed a puff of blue smoke come out of my exhaust pipe. Due to cold weather, I ignored this little puff, but when spring hit, it became a cloud that follows me around when I first start driving, reversing and sometimes after letting it idle. I took it in for a wet and dry compression test and they turned out good (THANK GOD!).

However, what's causing my problem? A leak? but there's no puddle of oil under my car. I checked my spark plugs and they're good. Recently, the problem has become worse, when I down shift sometimes the warning oil light flickers (EEEKKK!!!) and it stalled while idling (idles at 0.5 rpm, is that normal too?). Is it safe to drive my car? What could be the problem and is it worth fixing (cost $$$). Any advice, comment or info is greatly appreciated!!!

THANK YOU!
Meghan

A. Well, if your blowing blue smoke and you have good wet/dry compression, then the oil is coming in through the valve seals.

To replace the valve seals is about a 10 hour job on that engine. The seals themselves are only about $5.00. So you are looking at about $600.00 to $750.00 to replace the valve seals.

I wish I had better news for you, but that engine is a bear to work on.

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