2001 Saturn L300 Car smokes after idling for a couple minut

18GOBLUE317

MEMBER
2001 SATURN L300
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
106,000 MILES

I just replaced the valve seals on this engine as well as all the other seals needed when removing the top end. When I first ran the car I didn't notice any smoke. After cleaning the garage and heading home when I started the car it was smoking. It has been around 500 miles now and the car starts to smoke only after idling for around 3-4 minutes and is worse when you give it gas in park. When driving though there is no visible smoke even at hard acceleration. If theres any idea as to why this is happening I would greatly appreciate it as I dont want to re open the engine if I don't have to.

1 Reply

BASSTECH

MEMBER
236 POSTS

The condition that your talking about usually represents a value seal problem, sorry to say. Usually the oill builds up in the cat convertor as it's idleing, and with less exaust pressure you see it more.

You can try pulling out the plugs and see if one has more crust on it then the rest indicating an issue with that cylinder. Not that If seen it much but you could have a piston ring problem.

Also check the oil level, to much and it will smoke as you described.

Let me know how you make out.