• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-

engine smoking?

  • Thread starter Thread starter rcombs18
  • Start date Start date Nov 10, 2009
R

rcombs18

New Member
Jan 27, 2009
92
0
0
Nov 10, 2009
#1
  • Nov 10, 2009
  • #1
I have a 97 mustang gt and it has started smoking over the last few months. it has been burning oil pretty quickly also. I have been told that it could be the valve seals? Would that be a pretty good possibility? If that is the case what would be the best way to fix that? I'm really looking for a fairly inexpensive route because I'm goin to school so don't have the time to work a whole lot. thanks for the advice guys!
 

patman0911

Founding Member
Jun 5, 2002
2,287
0
46
Tuscaloosa, AL
Nov 10, 2009
#2
  • Nov 10, 2009
  • #2
Does it smoke at idle and shoot out a big puff when you pull away - most noticeable at stoplights and drive-throughs? That's the classic signs of bad valve seals. If that's the case then they can be replaced. You can do it yourself if your comfortable doing engine work but it is a pain in the butt.

If it's smoking all the time or at WOT then it's more likely that it's worn rings and a rebuild is in your future.

Check the PCV system out first though as a problem there can cause excessive oil consumption too.
 

patman0911

Founding Member
Jun 5, 2002
2,287
0
46
Tuscaloosa, AL
Nov 10, 2009
#3
  • Nov 10, 2009
  • #3
Forgot to add that valve seal replacement can be pretty cheap if you have the tools, time and skills to do it yourself - $20 for seals, $30 for the Trick Flow Specialties OHC valve compressor tool, save a few more $$ if you can reuse your valve cover gaskets, borrow or rent the other special tools you need. Not sure how much a shop would charge but it could be really expensive if they wanted to pull the heads to do it.

Mustangs consume some oil, especially if you spend a lot of time at WOT and high RPMs so don't be alarmed if it still uses some oil after you get it fixed.
 
R

rcombs18

New Member
Jan 27, 2009
92
0
0
Nov 10, 2009
#4
  • Nov 10, 2009
  • #4
yeah i was gonna add that it basically just smokes when idleing and just a little puff of smoke when i take off... I doubt that i would be able to do it myself... I almost wonder if it would be worth it to just pick up some pi heads and do a head swap on it while they had it out and everything but thanks for the advice
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
Emission problems
  • jls.zmmr
  • Feb 5, 2026
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Replies
2
Views
246
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech Feb 7, 2026
AeroCoupe
C
C4 trans help needed
  • CPH89LX
  • Apr 26, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
6
Views
214
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Apr 28, 2026
CPH89LX
C
L
95 gt engine vibration
  • lenzgt
  • May 11, 2026
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Replies
6
Views
215
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech May 26, 2026
lenzgt
L
Ford truck engine swap issues
  • keel
  • Jul 7, 2026
  • Other Auto Tech
Replies
17
Views
256
Other Auto Tech Jul 13, 2026
General karthief
N
Smoking problem 02 gt
  • Nightmare4.6
  • Oct 2, 2024
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
11
Views
774
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Oct 25, 2024
Manlaw213
M
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?