Valve seals

[MeFryRice]

I don't know if it's my imagination but I believe I saw a puff of blue smoke the other day during start-up.

With the car having 129k miles on the odo/original motor, I decided it would be a good idea to run seafoam through it to clean out some of the gunk. 3/4 of the bottle was ran through the motor running via a vacuum line courtesy of the brake master cylinder. I poured the rest into the crankcase and will the motor for a 100 miles or so. I will be changing the oil tonight along with the plugs (seafoam has fouled the plugs each time I've used it in the past).

Anyways, if it is in deed my valve seals need replacement, how hard is it to do?

[amaff]

You ran your car for 100 miles with seafoam (a SOLVENT) in your crank!? That was smart...

[MeFryRice]

I have not driven a hundred miles, no, but I usually do. I've used this stuff for many years and have always done it this way and NOT once have I come across any issues.

[ben91]

maybe you didn't keep your car(s) long enough then, but that certainly is not a good idea...

[MeFryRice]

I have only driven the car a very few miles since running it through the motor (took it down the street right after to run the rest through) but since you guys seem to make it appear to be a big deal, I'll change the oil tonight.

[metalman]

For flushing Miata engines, I usually just use the kerosene based products available...or kerosene...run at idle for 20-30 minutes and drain. It works well to quiet start up clatter
of HLAs.

Be sure to avoid Fram oil filters...they and Miatas dont get along well.

[MeFryRice]

I heard K&N filters don't work well either. What is wrong with Fram?

[RotorNutFD3S]

I told you that Fram wasn't a good idea. Something about it's overall construction IIRC.
However, I have used K&N on mine, no problems at all, that's why I recommended it. I used them on my Saturn too.

[metalman]

One, filters with anti drain back valves are preferred.
Two, some filters (like Fram) seem to lack proper flow characteristics to keep a Miata
engine happiest.

For filters from a typical auto parts store...Purolator Pure One seem to work well.
There are others too.
Many Miata folks use only filters from Mazda.

[ben91]

I use either the $2 filters from walmart (which are actually pretty good) or OEM mazda filters every once in a while because they come with a new drain plug washer (plus they deliver to me :D )

[MeFryRice]

I'm used to only using OEM filters on my cars and I guess I should have just bought some from the stealership...

[RotorNutFD3S]

Getting a drain valve is a nice thing to have too. No more drain plug washer replacement ever. :)

[MeFryRice]

Looks like I'll be going to the store before I go home then.

[RotorNutFD3S]

You still at work?!

[MeFryRice]

I didn't leave work till a little after 6, today was very stressful.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Yesterday was bad here too. However, at 5 I was booking it for the door! I took my work computer home with me and got some stuff done there. To hell with staying here past the required time!

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

No chance of the drain valve getting knocked open?

[RotorNutFD3S]

No, it has a locking position. Hell, it's hard enough to get it open sometimes. lol

http://www.mmmiata.com/mm033-v1%20drain%20valve.jpg
$40 from MMMiata.com

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

I'm just overly paranoid about it getting knocked off.

[RotorNutFD3S]

The one on my car has been on there since before I owned it. Have never had one problem with it. It's a very sturdy piece, and even though my car sits very low and I've had debris go under the car, nothing has hurt it. It really doesn't stick out that much further than the drain bolt.
Now that I'm switching oil pans out, I need to remember to get another crush washer.

[Doppelgänger]

If you're getting smoke, trying switching the oil to Valvoline MaxLife and see if that helps (it should).

[MeFryRice]

I'll try it. I also added 10w30, should I bump it up to 15w40?

[ben91]

I wouldn't. Especially if the car sits outside.

This is just a little puff of smoke on cold start right?

[MeFryRice]

Right now, the car is sitting in the garage; it has taken over the S2K's spot.

Your correct, it smokes only on cold start-up. If I start it and let it sit, no smoke at all but if I start it and give it throttle, it'll smoke.

[ben91]

Does it smoke under heavy acceleration while warm?

[MeFryRice]

nope, if it does, then it's very light to where I can't see anything. Were you thinking it was the piston rings?

[metalman]

We are talking oil smoke here and not fuel right?
Miatas love to run rich. Some are worse then others.

If its oil, how much is it consuming?

My experience with 15/40 in Miata engines is quite positive, in fact
I use Rotella 15/40 in my cars (except for NB) but I am not sure thats
a 'cure' for your issues.

One stupid thing to double check...make sure you have a good PCV ;)

[ben91]

nope, if it does, then it's very light to where I can't see anything. Were you thinking it was the piston rings?


No I was thinking valve seals. I'd not worry about it until it smokes blue under acceleration.

[MeFryRice]

We are talking oil smoke here and not fuel right?
Miatas love to run rich. Some are worse then others.

yes, the smoke is blue.

If its oil, how much is it consuming?

Let me check it when I get home. I haven't driven the car since this past weekend and it was only up and down the street.

My experience with 15/40 in Miata engines is quite positive, in fact
I use Rotella 15/40 in my cars (except for NB) but I am not sure thats
a 'cure' for your issues.

I'm not looking to use the heavier weight oil as a cure but sore of a "medication" till the seals are replaced.

One stupid thing to double check...make sure you have a good PCV ;)

What is a good way to check it?

[metalman]

One stupid thing to double check...make sure you have a good PCV ;)

What is a good way to check it?


Well you could just replace it but you can always check to see that the valve inside is functioning and not plugged. Checking flow through the valve, seeing if it rattles etc etc


This is a totally absurd long shot BUT...I have seen a bad PCV cause a car to emit smoke and consume some oil....especially an older one with miles. So, its just something stupid I look to eliminate as part of the issue.

[MeFryRice]

Well do you have one and how much? (just in case mine is bad)

[metalman]

Well do you have one and how much? (just in case mine is bad)


I'd give you one, its not a big deal.

[MeFryRice]

Thank you! I appreciate it. I'm trying to get a list of items so you can just ship me a box....

[leadfoot_mf]

well my car has been smoking a lot since i installed a header and test pipe. lost so much torque that i took the test pipe off and reinstalled cat. car smokes like crazy but still has power. i believe it blew the valve seals out.

[amaff]

what does installing the header and test pipe have to do w/ 'blowing the valve seals out'?

[MeFryRice]

yeah, that doesn't make sense to me.