Reader Question
I recently broke the timing belt in my car. After having a new timing belt and the heads replaced there is now blue smoke coming out of the exhaust and runs terrible. Can you please tell me what is wrong with my vehicle and the solution to my problem.
Thank You
Hello there!
Blue smoke is not good, means there is motor oil getting inside the cylinder somewhere. Â And with your recent repairs I can only ASSUME that there is a problem with the head. Â Did they do a valve job on the head, is it a used head etc. etc.??
The best thing to have done would be to get a machine shop to resurface the head, check for cracks, then do a complete valve job on it before installing. They should have also replaced the valve stems seals, which usually leak oil when at idle and when sitting up overnight.
I would do a compression test on all cylinders, then check ignition timing on the timing marks and recheck the timing belt installation.
The running bad complaint could be due to oil getting on the spark plugs OR the timing belt was installed incorrectly. Â Even the best of mechanics can get a timing belt off a tooth which makes the car run real bad, or not at all. I have a feeling you will be doing the job over again.
Keep me posted.
Blessings,
Austin Davis