Ask an expert


Anon

I have recently purchased a Nissan Skyline which has been garaged for a couple of years.

During that time the vehicle hasn't been driven and has only been started periodically.

Once the engine warms up it smokes excessively and also burns oil.

I have done a compression test and they all read the same.

What could be wrong with it?

Alan

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

jbiddle

A compression test is basically telling you the condition of the compression rings on the piston, head gasket and sealing of the valves.

Pistons also have oil rings fitted which control the amount of oil which can bypass the rings and enter the combustion chamber. They also control lubrication to the engine bore.

As an example, quite often after an engine overheat, excessive oil consumption can be a problem due to the oil rings losing their tension while the engine compressions can be fine.

The other cause of the smoke may be oil entering the combustion chamber via the valve guides. This is normally only a problem on initial start up however.

I think you may be looking at a engine dismantle to find the problem.

As a wild card, you may try changing the engine oil and giving the car a good run but don't hold your breath it will fix the problem.