I just finished replacing my head gasket this past weekend. I have noticed a much larger buildup of burnt oil on my back bumper. When fully boosting, I see a huge cloud of smoke behind me which I assume is burning oil. I am going through about a quart or more a week. I filled the oil full on Sunday and on Thursday, it didn't even register on the dipstick.

Could it be a poor seal with the headgasket? It isn't leaking any oil or coolant from the head.

It doesn't burn much oil under low throttle/boost but when I really step on it, it makes a huge cloud. I did a compression test before the HG job and all the cylinders were normal, so I don't think it is the rings. Could it be the valve stem seals?

Also, the turbo manifold is melting my dipstick. Do they make aftermarket replacements to counteract this problem and where can I find them?

 

Have you done a compression check with the new gasket installed? If it's leaking, one or more cylinders should read low, right?

 

You can either take the plastic off the dipstick or make a heat shield. I aggree with the compression check, is it making any blue smoke on startupin the morning?

 

Ok. I pulled the spark plugs and they looked alright. The electrodes looked like I was running lean and the area near the threads was moderately oil soaked. I also did a compression test. Dry results and wet results:

Cylinder 1: 195, 205 psi
Cylinder 2: 200, 220 psi
Cylinder 3: 205, 215 psi
Cylinder 4: 215, 225 psi

I really can't conclude much from these results. The rings appear to be a little worn but that is to be expected on a 130,000mi motor. They are still holding the pressure fine. The headgasket also appeared to seal fine since all cylinders were pretty equal.

The only thing I can think of that could be causing this is the valve stem seals. Is there a way to test to make sure?

I tried to search for aftermarket dipsticks but can up unsuccessful. I guess I will just let the plastic burn off and live with the smell.

 

Black smoke = rich
Burning oil = bluish/white smoke

From your previous problem of bogging under boost, I think you're running rich once you step into the throttle a lot.

If you want to test valve stem seals, get a leakdown test done. As for the dipstick, I believe STR makes a billet one.

 

Yeah, it is blueish/whiteish smoke. I think I am running a bit rich under boost. I have the greddy kit and I only have the blue box for engine management right now. I don't really know what I should do about the engine management.

I will get a leakdown test done ASAP. I need to find this problem as I am going through a quart a week and that can't be good for anything downstream of the engine. I also heard that a stuck PCV valve could be causing this too. Should I look into replacing it since I have never done it before?

I will look into that dipstick. I am not sure where I would find one, but I will search.

 

PCV valve could cause you to burn oil too. Definitely start with the cheap parts first and see if it helps. Lots of places sell the dipstick, try www.modacar.com or check ebay.

 

Alright, I will definitely start with the valve since it is much cheaper than the alternatives.

I tried ebay and came up with nothing but I will check out the site. Thanks.

 

I replaced the PCV valve but I didn't see much of an improvement. The valve hadn't been replaced since the car was made, so that may be the cause. I will have to drive it a bit and see if the burning has slowed. The last thing I can think of if that doesn't work is the valve stem seals. I have to get a leakdown test to determine that.

 

leaky valve seals usually makes the car smoke more than usual when the engine is cold. have a buddy drive behind you while the car is cold, if it blows smoke (at regular low revs) its your valve seals for sure!!.

also what grade of oil are you using?, if its 5w30 it might be time for you to bump it up to 10w30, and if your at 10w30 try bumping it up to 15w40. bumping up the grade will slow the burning down. good luck