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  • Classics Monthly

    Troubleshooting with Steve Rothwell

    Aug 13, 2019 9 minutes

    AUSTIN METRO: SMOKING PROBLEM

    Q I have a 1989 Austin Metro which has begun to create a little smoke cloud when first starting up. After a minute or two the blue smoke will clear and the engine runs fine, using very little oil in the mileage I cover. I have decided to replace the valve stem seals in an effort to reduce the morning cloud, but do not wish to get too involved by removing the cylinder head. I know that there are various methods of releasing the valve collets with the cylinder head on, and wondered if you could give me any advice on the matter.

    Richard Wallace

    A It is, as you intimate, very likely that the valve stem oil seals have hardened with age, and replacing them may stem the flow of oil down into the compression chamber and so reduce the early morning cloud you have.

    My first word of caution would be to have a magnet on hand and be particularly careful not to drop the small collets, as this could cause problems. The job can be done using compressed air to hold the valves in place, but as many readers may not be lucky enough to have this facility I will mention a more basic method. For this, remove the spark plugs, then turn the engine until the piston is at the bottom of its stroke and feed a length of strong nylon cord into the cylinder via the spark plug

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