1.3HF exhaust smoke on start up and reversing

[svgregory]

Hello
I don't know much about the mechanical side but my car has fairly recently started to smoke on start up and when reversing. The smoke isn't exactly blue or white. Some people (mechanics) I've spoken to say 'pistons/rings' 'engine re-build' etc, but I've heard there are other reasons for this.
The car had a full engine rebuild in 2002 and hasn't covered more than 40,000 miles since.

I've just had the oil and filter changed (two months ago) and perhaps it has become worse since then but I can't be sure.

Can anyone suggest anything else this might be?

Thank you in advance.
Best
Stuart

[lancialulu]

Does the smoke go away when hot? On the over un etc etc. Hard to diagnose at a distance.....

[svgregory]

Hello and thanks for your (and the only) response. Yes just smokes on start up. I expect it's gasket or rings or valve guides this is what I've been told.
Never mind.

[nistri]

If the smoke is just when starting (especially after overnight rest) it is most likely to be due to worn valve guides and their seals (if fitted). This job needs cylinder head off. Moreover, the exhaust should smoke a lot on the over-run particularly downhill with the throttle off. However, it is much better than pistons and rings wear. Have you done a compression test to find how the cylinder condition? Andrea

[chriswgawne]

What viscosity oil was used when the oil was changed? Thinner oil will increase your oil consumption.  And is the engine actually using  much oil as you drive around - i.e how often are you having to top it up and by how much?
Chris

[Charles Frodsham]

Note that series 1 cars do not have valve guide seals, including 1.3 HF. This may mean they are more likely to exhibit such behaviour……..any other experience here would be useful.

My series 1 1.6 HF can be a little smokey on initial start when it hasn’t been run for a while. One other possibility is one carb fills before the other on mechanical pump, so ignition may occur on two cyclinders initially, until the front carb has been fuelled.

Not sure why you would get the problem when reversing, unless it’s just more noticeable?

[lancialulu]

Just realised a likely cause of smoking on start up is  over-fuelling from the choke circuit causing bore wash which quickly causes smoking. It should stop  when choke has  been pushed in and engine up to temperature. Bore wash contributes to rapid engine wear....