2001 Super Duty w/ 67,000 miles. Started noticing it about a month ago; big puff of smoke at start up, but only if it sits for 6 hours or more. Doesn't seem to matter if the weather is cold or warm. No noticable smoke after start up and when running. Power is good with no unusual sounds. Engine oil level has dropped about a quart in the last 3000 miles. This truck has been properly maintained since new and never run hard.

My mechanic thinks the valve guide(s) are damaged. What do you think? Could my problem be related to the leaky head gasket problem so prevelent in these motors?

 

I would think that it is the seals that go on the valve guides. It really is not a major problem and should not be a cause of panic. I would plan it out and when you can fix it.

 

I am in agreement that your problem isn't anything to be alarmed about. My father's 97 (4.6), with 175,000 mi. on it, shoots out a little blue smoke from time to time. If it happens all the time, if the exhaust smells like burnt oil, if it smells like coolant, then I'd take it in. In the meantime, I'd just run a bottle of Techron or Redline SI-1 Fuel system cleaner. I use the later at every oil change.

good luck

 

How big a job is it to replace the valve seals? Do the heads have to come off, or just the valve covers?
BTW- it smokes pretty badly for just 1 or 2 seconds each time it is cold started. My mechanic explained that the oil seeps into the combustion chambers after sitting for awhile, then burns off at start up. He also said it shouldn't create any other problems and could be fixed at my convienience. In other words, whenever I have the $$$. Does this sound reasonable?
I'm disappointed that a Ford motor would develop this problem. I've run my last 3 Ford trucks at least 150,000 miles each without significant engine problems Should've sprung for the V10. Maybe I'll have to look at the 'ol BowTie next time.....

 

My 98 F150 4.6L (same heads as 5.4) does this too. It generates a 50 foot cloud of oil smoke during cold startup. I now have 90K on the clock. Of course, I took perfect care of the engine with regular Mobil 1 oil changes. It is also using some oil now.

I also suspect valve guide seals. As there are many Crown Vic's here in Florida doing this very same thing, I suspect there is a Ford tech with experience fixing this problem.

How do we get in touch with the people in the know.

Chris

 

Mine just started today.
a small blue cloud came from the tail pipe, this am, cold start up, nothing while cruising or at idle, just when first started.
i have a 99 f150 with about 30000 miles, i would expect this to be under warranty, as i have the exp plan,
it may be nothing to worry about but in my eyes this says theres a problem...
going to the dealer tomorrow.

 

I have noticed a puff of blue smoke from my '01 5.4L every now and then. It isn't consistent. Usually does it after the truck sits for a while ( good indication of valve seals ). The unsettling part is that it started doing it with approx 18000 miles on the clock.

Just add that to the piston slap/cold start knock this truck has and it gives you a real warm feeling about Ford's modular motors!

By the way...Truck has been meticulously maintained.

 

my 98 4.6 has a catback and on 2 mornings i can remember seeing a slight amount of blue smoke rise above the tailgate but it had been sittin in the barn for 6 days and the temp was around 20 degrees constantly so it was slow to start. but if its just a slight puff i wouldnt worry about it-it may hlep provide a little extra lubrication at cold startup, at least thats a good way to look at it

 

Before you try an expensive fix, try running some Marvel Mystery Oil through the crankcase and in your fuel. It usually helps quite a bit to stop your engine smoking (when due to bad valve seals). Great stuff.

 

Check out www.flatratetech.com It is a site designed by Ford technicians to help Ford owners to give them real answers to their questions and problems.

 

Well, at least I'm not the only one with this problem! Hopefully we can find some Ford service bulletin that addresses it.
Mark- thanks for the MMO tip. I'll try it and see if it helps.

I'll ask again- can the valve seals be replaced without removing the heads on the 5.4?

 

I can't say if valve seals are the problem or not. But someone asked if the heads have to come off. The answer is 'no'. The back yard mechanic's trick is to unscrew the spark plug, rotate the engine by hand until the piston is at bottom dead center but coming up on the compression stroke, then fish in through the spark plug hole about 7 feet of 1/4" clothesline rope. Now rotate the engine by hand, driving and compressing the rope up against the valve. This holds the valves in place when you remove the spring retainers. Install new valve seals, springs, lower piston, pull out rope - repeat.

Obviously you want to leave the end of the rope hanging out of the plug hole so you can pull the rope out.

Also, there is a adapter kit you can buy that screws into the sparkplug hole that allows you to attache a compressed air hose. Here you would set piston to TDC compression, then pressurize with 150psi.

I like the rope myself.

 

I've also noticed the blue smoke syndrome, has anyone (still under factory warranty) taken their truck to the dealer and had this issue fixed? I took mine in and they kept it over the weekend and advised there was no smoke when starting it on Monday morning.... I told them that it does not happen every time and they said to watch it and if it gets worse to bring it back.

 

Unfortunately, I doubt the dealer will do anything until the oil comsumption is over 1qt every 1000 miles........

All the dealer will tell you is "it's normal". You should also be present when they start the motor first thing in the AM.

On the ext'd warranty, unless the motor ain't running, you ain't gettin' no fix.............

Not saying this from my own experience, but hear the "horror stories" all the time.

If you feel it is a serious problem, you can only keep on 'em until something is done.

IMOH, I don't think a shot of blue smoke at cold startup is a 'serious' problem. A bummer, yes, but your motor is not going to melt down either..........

Just monitor it and as long as it's not blowing it out at all times, not much can be done.

As far as putting stuff in the oil to stop the smoke..... Well, that's all up to you, but I would not do it.

Good luck all!