160k 3VZ Smoking, Starting Hard

[myconid]

I have a 1992 3VZ-FE with about 160k on it. When I start it, it usually seems to puff a little blue smoke out. Lately, I have had a problem with possibly my ignition. I crank it for ~20 seconds, and then stop. Out the tailpipe comes blueish smoke. I left on vacation for 3 days, came home, and it wouldnt start at all. It would turn over, but not start up. The main wire to the distributor looked damaged, so i straighened out the prongs, and without a spare in sight, put it back in until I can replace it. It took me about 30 seconds of starting it then it started to catch.. then a little more.. then it seemed like it was firing on 3 cylenders maybe.. then eventually it brought the idle up to ~2k, then dropped to 800 rpm and it seems ok.

Am I losing my headgasket? Any other ideas? I have this sludgy stuff around my motor.. is it just oil & dirt?

[amerikim]

It's not your head gasket thats going out, looks like its from the oil filler hole. Look at where the oil seems to be originating from. Replace that cap first.
Are you overfilled? Thats a big

Then clean that f*'ing mess up.

Next in line would be your cam cover gaskets.
I am sure they are shot too but best to do one step at a time.
I honestly do not think your head gaskets are going.

Get a decent set of plug wires in and change your plugs. If your wires are messed up, I bet thats unburnt gas smoking there. Add the oil leaking onto your header pipes and your ride must smell like Iraq.

Whens the last time that car has been in for a good service? If you are not mechanically inclined, it may be better for you to keep that car regularly serviced by a professional. I am not flaming you, but trying to get you another hundred thousand miles out of it.

[Luckynumber5]

Have you changed your rotor and distributor cap? It may be time to invest $20 and replace those, its very easy to do and doesnt take much time at all, it really made my engine run a lot better



edit: the smoking is you valve guide seals, it happens with mileage and isnt an easy fix

[wontonjohnny]

your gonna make me cry ... hate to see a neglected 3vzfe.

[myconid]

I clean my engine every spring.. I live in Vermont and travel dirt roads regularly... That is just built up gunk. I cleaned everything that I could get to off, but the rest will need to wait until spring.

[mcelligott]

Originally Posted by myconid

I clean my engine every spring.. I live in Vermont and travel dirt roads regularly... That is just built up gunk. I cleaned everything that I could get to off, but the rest will need to wait until spring.

no that's definitely leaking oil, not built up road gunk.

[Porkch0p220]

oil's coming out of some were.........

[AMScamrySE]

Looks to me like the valve cover gasket, or like amerkim said it could be your oil cap.

[ArmyofOne]

the little bit of smoke you get on startup (normally) is ususally valve stem seals or piston rings showing their age. camry engines are known for their longevity, so it would actually suprise me if this is the case. with 160K miles, she should still be in her prime, there are many around here with well over 200K and a few with over 300K on their camrys.

i agree with the above statement, PCV VALVE, plugs, wires, valve cover gasket, (ask the guy at autozone for a cam cover gasket and he will probably give you a wierd look LOL) and distributor/coil can be done for about $100 and a day of your time.

has the PCV valve ever been changed? the reason i ask is this:

a PCV valve is a Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve. it vents the Excess pressure from the engine and puts it back into the intake, where it is burned. when they clog (typically every 65-85K), they cant vent the excess pressure, it has nowhere to go but out of the seals. this causes leaks, and fortunately, the ones that usually go first are the valve cover gaskets, because they are closest to the valve. they are also easier than say, the rear main seal to repair.