Pontiac: Big oil problem, valve stem seals, pontiac firefly

Question
My wife has a 1994 Pontiac Firefly.  Last year we had a rebuilt head installed and a ring job done.  It has run fine since except when we go up the  hill (6 miles) to the town where we live.(also happens on other long hills) About 3/4 the way up the car will shudder and huge plumes of smoke will come from the exhaust. (Enough to cause cars behind to pull over)Sometimes it is O.K. the rest of the way up the hill and sometimes it keeps blowing out smoke.  After this happens the oil level is down substancially. It does not do this all the time but does do it frequently.  It has never done it when we are driving on the flat or downhill.  And under ordinary circumstances no smoke can be seen coming from the exhaust.  The mechanic I take it to has checked it out and changed the PVC valve and sometimes it is a bit better for a few weeks then starts to do it again.   Would really appreciate any thoughts you might have on this.  Thank You.

Answer
If the smoke is BLUE in color and NOT WHITE, This would indicate that engine oil is being emitted into the combustion chambers (cylinders).

Under heavy throttle more engine oil is pumped to the head and what is most likely happening is that the wrong valve stem seals (if applicable) were installed when the head was rebuilt or there is a problem with the head gasket or head itself.

Since the vehicle did NOT exhibit this problem prior to having the head rebuilt, It is most logical that a problem exists with the head or head gasket.

I would suggest that you take it back to the facility that rebuilt and or the facility that installed the head.


Thomas
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