Burning Oil Options

[RedC4Me]

I have noticed for quite some time now that when i start my car a good amount of smoke comes from the tail pipe. I know my rings are probably going bad and im really not looking forward to paying 500+ to get it fixed. Has anyone else had this problem and gotten the ring job to fix it??? Is there something cheaper i should try first to fix the problem? any feedback would be much appreciated! thanks

[1858]

A puff of blue smoke on start-ups is actually pretty common, especially if you have the 5SFE engine. As long as it goes away pretty quickly and your engine doesn't smoke all the time, it's just your valve guides are worn.

What happens is after you shut off your engine, a small amount of oil gets pass your worn valve guides and into your cylinders. When you start your engine the next time, the oil is being burn off and thus you get a puff of blue smoke on start-ups.
It's not a performance issue nor an indication that your engine will die soon.

You could possibly replace the guides without removing the head, but it takes a skilled mechanic to do it. Otherwise, live with the smoke, or perhaps try one of those oils designed for high mileage cars; most *claim* to recondition worn seals and valve guides but I dunno........