smokin

[mooner]

My son owns a 1996 GA with a 3.1 engine. Recently it has started using about a pint of oil a day and when looking at engine oil is gathered on the valve covers and a bit sprayed around the engine compartment. We changed the pcv valve but did not change anything. Then yesterday the engine had blown the pcv right out and oil was everywhere. We put the pcv back in and started the car, as soon as we reved it a bit it tried pushing the valve out again, if held in it pushed oil out the filler cap. Ifd we run it with the pcv (or oil cap) out there is excessiveamounts of smoke coming out the holes. Could we have a lot of blowby and excess pressure builing up? Engine idles and runs fairly well but at about 3500 rpm it would hold reves and stats to seek (+- about 500 rpm). It has gotten so bad that the amout of smoke (oil and fumes) are pouring from the engine and car is undrivable. My kid called in to work with sick car and is doing a compression check this morning, any ideas as to where to look if that proves okay.
Thanks

[rixGAphx]

Originally posted by mooner
....My kid called in to work with sick car and is doing a compression check this morning, any ideas as to where to look if that proves okay.
It won't check-out OK.

IMO, the only thing that will create the pressure/conditions you describe is a completely-shot piston, either failed rings or a hole in the damned thing.
Since the condition came on gradually, but progressed rapidly, I think it's a broken ring rather than a hole or worn rings.

Either case, the only solution is an out-of-the-car complete short-block rebuild/replacement.
Not cheap, and for a '96 3.1 just *barely* worth it vs. the value of the car.

Good luck.
-Rick

[mooner]

Right you are rix.
Cylinders 2-5 have 190 psi and good old number one reads ZERO.
Will now put car in bargain finder for sale for parts, have a 1994 Talon with new engine and turbo to go look at for $2000 canadian.
Thanks