Help needed

[marko62ss]

I took my 87GN over to my local mechanic to have a major oil leak and white pufs of smoke out the exhaust on deceleration check out.
The oil leak is between the block and trans.

Called him today. he said the engine has to come out to change the rear main seal because its a "two piece gasket" does this sound right?

Also the white puffs of smoke issue, he said the motor is in need of help, but I said it runs real strong and is very quiet, so I am unsure of that diagnostic as well.

At first I thought the turbo was on the outs, so I pulled the DP and checked for oil and found nothing. Also no shaft play.

Your advice is much appreciated.

 

[Hotrodbuick]

You could probably change rear main seal with the motor in the car but a lot easier to do it outside the car. I pulled mine to change it an found a bunch of stuff I didn't want to find. An yes he is right it's a 2 piece seal. Also the white smoke could be piston rings on the way out, that would be my first thought.

 

[marko62ss]

would a compression test verify if the rings are bad?

Thanks

 

[87chrisss]

would a compression test verify if the rings are bad?

Thanks

you could do a compression test that would give you a better understanding of the engine internally, depending on what exact color the smoke is could mean different things blue smnoke usually is your burning oil.. White/grey smoke is your burning water/antifreeze.. Lastly Black smoke is fuel... But if you say its just happens on initial start you probably should check your valve stem seals are probably gone. If your taking motor out to change the rear main it would be a great time to go thru the motor now that its out.. Double roller chain.. new gaskets.. new water pump..etc..might sound more expensive but it'll be cheaper for you to do it all now rather than just change the rear main seal and then have to take motor out later to do other repairs..

 

[marko62ss]

No smoke on idle or start up, just when cruising and when I let off the fuel. Gives a puff, not a billowing if that makes sense LOL
Its a blueish white color.

 

[SHADOWII]

The blue smoke could be caused by the the seal going in the turbo or oil pressure too high going thru the turbo center-section, pushing past the seal.
The rear main can be changed in the car unless you have other issues that need to be addressed.

 

[marko62ss]

Thanks, I also figured if the turbo was on its was out, wouldn't it blow smoke under boost rather then under deceleration.

 

[Hotrodbuick]

X2 on checking motor while its out. Save money an time in the long run.

 

[trbojo]

you better know the guy you're taking it to VERY well, and he should have some GN experience, otherwise you're getting SCREWED.......general mechanics do not know much about our cars.........you do not have to pull the engine to do a rear main, so that's my first red flag there...guess he doesn't know what a sneaky pete is............

 

[TurboBuRick]

X2 on the red flag. I would find someone else to work on your car.

 

[marko62ss]

Yeah, I pretty much told me that he never had a GN at the shop before.
I been going to him for years with other cars. His prices are fair.

If any knows of a good GN mechanic near Hazleton Pa area let me know please..

 

[marko62ss]

Oh, whats a "sneaky pete"

 

[TurboBuRick]

JFYI the oil pan can be off the car in minutes with a rack and air tools. From there the rear cap that contains the rear seal is 2 bolts. Actually one of the easiest cars to do a rear seal on.

RL

 

[TR Custom Parts]

New mechanic time!

 

[SS/GN]

New mechanic time!

x2,Everyone is a mechanicThey go to Target and buy a repair manual. rear main and engine check up can be done in the car easily.

Kevin

 

[marko62ss]

Thanks guys, any one have the smoke issue before?

 

[PSU 98]

marko, I use a guy in the Pine Grove / Ravine area. He did my rear main when I had the transmission rebuilt a few months ago. Since neither one of us really knew the ins-and-outs of these cars when I bought it, we have learned a lot over the last few months. PM me if you want his info.

 

[trbojo]

Oh, whats a "sneaky pete"

a tool made out of thin flexible wire that helps pull the upper half of the rope seal through the saddle....

 

[brian b]

Here are some guys in PA that are familiar with Turbo Buicks.

Bill Moss Auto Repair
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 744-6677

Buick Turbo Performance Center
Located in Secane, PA
WebSite:www.buickturboperformance.com
E-mail: Jim@buickturboperformance.com
Phone #: (610) 721-4695

 

[pacecarta]

new mechanic time , next he will tell you that he can do it in the car but the trans has to come out...