Tips on Buying Cars: compression normals....., compression test results, valve stem seals

Question
I bought a 1994 Accord LX wagon new in March '94.  I did a compression test today since I have noticed quite a bit of oil use in the last several months.  I can't see blue smoke from the pipe when I follow my wife while she's driving the car, but after short stops at stopsigns, lights etc., there is a very noticable puff of smoke from the exhaust.  The compression test results looking at the front of the engine left to right were 190, 185, 190, 190.  What is normal for this car?  I've searched the net without result.  If the rings and valves are okay (there was no appreciable loss of compression after 10 minutes on eah cylinder) what gives?  is it valve seals and can they be fixed without a head R&R?  

Thanks for your time!

JIM"


Answer
Jim,

Your question is in the wrong forum but I can answer part of it.  This forum is geared toward purchase tips.

The compression readings sound great.  The symptoms that you describe could either be valve stem seals or possibly some clogged oil passages in the head.  I'd also check the PCV valve.

As far as whether that one can have valve stem seals changed without head removal, I don't honestly recall as I quit turning wrenches many years ago.

Good luck!