Something went wrong, ticking and smoke...
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Geelong, Australia
Something went wrong, ticking and smoke... All,
Before I start tearing into it on the weekend, somethings gone wrong with my engine, and I'm just after some possible things that it could be.
Details are its an AES 390ci stroker setup with an LS2 block, using the original CP pistons @ 4.030" bore. LS9 gaskets, L92 heads, ARP studs @ 90#.
Setup has been fine for over a year with 15-20psi. I've recently converted it back to auto, so I'm running it at 5psi while I fix up the tune and get everything sorted again.
Was driving it to work the other day and the engine started to tick. Oil pressure remained good, didn't notice any power drop, but at the next set of traffic lights it let out a HUGE amount of blue/white smoke. The engine hadn't seen over 3000rpm all day, and wouldn't have even seen boost (I drive like a grandma most of the time). Took off from the lights again, all good, still ticking. Next set of lights, all clear, but the set of lights after that, huge cloud of smoke again.
There appears to be more breathing from the crankcase than usual, but it might just be the warmer weather (summer here).
I'm hoping it isn't something really expensive, I can't afford to throw anymore money at this car at the moment, even though I'm sure it is going to be something pretty bad...
Ideas?
Before I start tearing into it on the weekend, somethings gone wrong with my engine, and I'm just after some possible things that it could be.
Details are its an AES 390ci stroker setup with an LS2 block, using the original CP pistons @ 4.030" bore. LS9 gaskets, L92 heads, ARP studs @ 90#.
Setup has been fine for over a year with 15-20psi. I've recently converted it back to auto, so I'm running it at 5psi while I fix up the tune and get everything sorted again.
Was driving it to work the other day and the engine started to tick. Oil pressure remained good, didn't notice any power drop, but at the next set of traffic lights it let out a HUGE amount of blue/white smoke. The engine hadn't seen over 3000rpm all day, and wouldn't have even seen boost (I drive like a grandma most of the time). Took off from the lights again, all good, still ticking. Next set of lights, all clear, but the set of lights after that, huge cloud of smoke again.
There appears to be more breathing from the crankcase than usual, but it might just be the warmer weather (summer here).
I'm hoping it isn't something really expensive, I can't afford to throw anymore money at this car at the moment, even though I'm sure it is going to be something pretty bad...
Ideas?
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Geelong, Australia
I hope it isn't a piston, will cost me thousands if it is...
Ticking and smoking out of the breather is never good! Bob
__________________
ATI ProCharger and Moser Sales 260 672-2076
PM's disabled, please e-mail me
E-mail: brutespeed@gmail.comob@brutespeed.com
https://brutespeed.com/ Link to website
ATI ProCharger and Moser Sales 260 672-2076
PM's disabled, please e-mail me
E-mail: brutespeed@gmail.comob@brutespeed.com
https://brutespeed.com/ Link to website
On The Tree
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
Without compression gauge numbers just wasting time. At least pulling and reading the plugs would've been a good step 1.
A Friend of mind did have similar incident when his rings weren't aligned properly, top and 2nd ring gaps were perfectly in line during a rebuild.
Also, what about a bad turbo?
A Friend of mind did have similar incident when his rings weren't aligned properly, top and 2nd ring gaps were perfectly in line during a rebuild.
Also, what about a bad turbo?
Trending Topics
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?
Pouria Savadkouei
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
you have worn out rings & possibly broken/damaged piston. you are getting large amounts of blowby through to the crankcase.
i have been through this. you certain the tune was spot on and safe? did it ever run lean or leaner than normal?
another question is, did it ever overboost your MAP sensor or "tune" if you know what I mean and run lean?
i have been through this. you certain the tune was spot on and safe? did it ever run lean or leaner than normal?
another question is, did it ever overboost your MAP sensor or "tune" if you know what I mean and run lean?
Im having the same issue with my cobra. I was praying it wouldnt be the bottom end but i think its wishful thinking. On crutches from knee surgery so I cant tear into it. My motor has 6k miles and diamond pistons so I never expected it either. Good luck but im guessing ringland.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Geelong, Australia
Thanks for all the help guys. I'll hack into it on the weekend and let you know what I find...
It isn't, but the block had some decent damage due to previous piston failure and it was either that or replace the block. I haven't had any issues with the 30thou over until now, and it might not be the 30thou over thats caused the issue.
Would love to, and if I was in a different place I would, but the EPA is really **** around here. If my car makes smoke, not only will it be off the road for good but I'll probably cop a decent fine too.
Would love to, and if I was in a different place I would, but the EPA is really **** around here. If my car makes smoke, not only will it be off the road for good but I'll probably cop a decent fine too.
Launching!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 255
Likes: 1
From: Alberta, Canada
Shove one of those snake camera things down the spark plug holes. When this happened to me, there was a hole in #3 the size of my thumb and the rest of the piston looked burned. We think my set of "flowmatched" injectors were not flowmatched very well and the number 3 one was a bit lean.
Staging Lane
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Hot Houston Tejas
Now That's Awesome! 
