Technical Punto MK2a burning oil/blue smoke after head-gasket

AAB1992 · Nov 8, 2011

Hello everyone, I’ve just bought a 2000 fiat Punto 1.2 8v with 96,000 on the clock. I bought it for £280 as a little project of mine. It’s had lots of money spend on it in terms of power-steering, brakes, suspension, clutch, timing belt, water pump, sump and a new head gasket.
The main problem with the car, as was stated when I bought it, is that it burns oil, not much but still blue smokes comes from the exhaust mainly when cold and from the exhaust it smells like something is burning internally (like rubbery burning smell). The guy who I bought it off said the head gasket was done at a Halfords auto centre! (says it all really lol) in March and since then it’s had the problem with blue smoke.
In addition, while the head gasket was done the valve stems were also done, but I think Halfords haven’t fitted them correctly

(and thats why there is blue smoke). I’m planning on taking the head off, but I would like some words of wisdom from people in the know as to what I should be looking out for when I take the head off. I have read about valve guides etc. on the internet but as this is my first time taking an engine apart I would like some advice. Many thanks, Adam.

Ziggy122 · Nov 8, 2011

compression test it

If the Pressure is Low and gets better with oil = Piston Rings hence why burning oil

Ziggy

fingers99 · Nov 8, 2011

As above, but I suspect the head may not have been skimmed.

Unless the mileage is very high, I'd think the guides will be OK, but maybe they didn't replace the valve guide oil seals properly?

Get back with dry and wet compression test results. If DIY for the first time, plenty of instructions via Google.

AAB1992 · Nov 9, 2011

thanks for your replies, i think i will take head off and see what condition its in and i'll post my findings on here.

fingers99 · Nov 9, 2011

Do a compression test first. It'll indicate where to look, and, unless you've a few years of deep engine building experience under your belt, you'll need those clues.

Ziggy122 · Nov 9, 2011

i must admit, i've got alot of Black crap often spraying out the exhaust after i did my HG

Removing alot of Carbon can sometimes make a car burn heavy as the carbon builds back up
Maybe carbon removal has uncovered a leak somewhere?

Ziggy

dannypwatson · Dec 3, 2011

Ziggy122 said:
i must admit, i've got alot of Black crap often spraying out the exhaust after i did my HG

Ziggy

I have same problem!

thelad · Dec 3, 2011

Have you taken it for a good long run?

AAB1992 · Dec 3, 2011

Hello everyone! Right I’ve finally done a compression test and the figures are worrying

.

I discounted the ECU, coils, took out the fuel pump fuse and took out the spark plugs and for the wet test I used 10ml of oil.

From Left to right:
Cylinder 1: DRY – 58 PSI WET – 100PSI
Cylinder 2: DRY - 50PSI WET- 116PSI
Cylinder 3 – Couldn’t access, so left it out
Cylinder 4: DRY – 50PSI WET – 105PSI

These figures are nowhere near the expected 196PSI, and a part of me thinks the kit I’ve used is not very good. It was a cheap kit off ebay for £16.

The car runs pretty well albeit a bit spluttery at times. Plugs are not soaking wet with oil, just a bit sooty but I have a significant leak of oil from the head gasket which seems strange. The exhaust fumes are pretty strong as well. Blue smoke is only visible on start-up and when revved very hard.

I will probably get a better tester and try it again, but it looks like the engine is in poor condition.

As it is project, is it worth stripping the engine or getting a second hand one for a scrapyard?

Many thanks.

fingers99 · Dec 3, 2011

They are very low figures -- were they done with throttle fully open and engine up to temperature?

If not, do them again.

AAB1992 · Dec 3, 2011

Yes the engine was warm and throttle was open fully. I will get a better compression tester and try again!

fingers99 · Dec 3, 2011

Give it a go -- that one looks to be way out of calibration. But the difference between dry and wet is very alarming!

AAB1992 · Dec 3, 2011

Does it suggest piston rings??

fingers99 · Dec 3, 2011

Yes. If it were the top end (or even the HG) you'd expect much less difference between wet and dry.

DasArab · Dec 3, 2011

Might be an idea enquiring with Halfords auto centre to see if the head was skimmed when the HG was done. Most garages will recommend this but its not guaranteed that the owners agree to have it done. If its a project car, it might be worth while taking the head off and having a look yourself, puntos a pretty easy to work on, especially if the head gasket is leaking oil. Low mileage Fire engines are pretty cheap, You Pull It in York will sell you one for £150+vat, even off ebay you can pick them up for around £150-£200 plus delivery.

AAB1992 · Dec 3, 2011

Well I’m going to test it again probably next week and I’ll see what the figures are with a different tester, if they are still low and there is a large difference between wet and dry scores, it looks like an engine rebuild or a newer lower mileage engine but I don’t know which option is best??
There rest of the car is in reasonable condition, just needs new wishbones and some welding, new CV boots and a good paint with underboody sealant and then it should run for a few more years.

fingers99 · Dec 3, 2011

Very hard to decide. If you can find a low mileage, known good runner -- and preferably do a compression test on it -- that's the easiest and probably cheapest -- way to go.

AAB1992 · Dec 3, 2011

Cheers thanks for all the advice

, I’ll carryout another test next week and I will post my findings.

DaveMcT · Dec 3, 2011

With such wide figures between wet and dry that engine sound totally worn out. It will be cheaper and easier to replace the engine. To avoid ECU compatibility problems get the same type of engine as you have (age and spec).

If that's not possible and you get a different spec or age engine you will need the engine along with ECU, body computer and ignition keys (for the immobiliser chips).

AAB1992 · Dec 4, 2011

This engine in the car now doesn’t have a cam sensor, would it be alright to take an engine from a car post 2000 with a cam sensor and just leave it unplugged?

Technical Punto MK2a burning oil/blue smoke after head-gasket

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