Triumph Repair: Exhaust problems, performance exhaust systems, vent system


Question
I have a '73 GT6 with a '71 TR6 2.5L engine. It's got dual 175 CD-2 Stromberg carbs. When I run the engine, the exhaust spits out oil and it seems like theres an awful lot of fumes and smoke, even when idling. I briefly mentioned it to my mechanic and he said I should get a performance exhaust to increase the backpressure on the engine. (I havent had him thoroughly inspect the problem). What's you input?

Answer
Hi George,
If the smoke is blue it is burning oil. If it blows more blue smoke when accelerating it is either a stopped up crankcase vent system or bad rings or over filled with oil. Also you need to check to see that the oil is not diluted with gasoline.
No type of exhaust system is going to help the problem and performance exhaust systems decrease back pressure not increase it.
To test the rings you need to do a Dry and a Wet compression test. If your mechanic does not know the procedure, you need to find a mechanic who does.
Let me know the readings of both tests.
Howard