Rebuilt OMC 5.7 Smokes

rybad

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 20, 2004
Messages
215
OK, my mechanical know-how is somewhat limited, so I have a few questions about my rebuilt engine.<br /><br />This spring, I installed a "Rebuilt" OMC/(Chevy 350) 5.7 litre engine. This engine was professionlly rebuilt by National Machined Engine company in Lincoln Park, MI (its a well known engine/speed shop in this area).<br /><br />After about 3-4 hours on the engine, I noticed that white smoke comes out if I goose the engine quickly, and when I first start the engine (and it smells like oil).<br /><br />Obviously, oil is getting into the cylinders somehow. They told me the break-in period should be about 6 hours, and I have been taking it easy on the engine thus far. I changed the oil after about 3 hours (and thats when the problem became noticable). I used Delo 400 sae30, and Purolator PureOne filter.<br /><br />I did notice that on the back port-side head, there is a small about of oil, which looks like it is leaking from the cylinder head out (very small amount) and the oil level is good. (I guess I need to check the cylinder head bolts?)<br /><br />1) Could oil be leaking from the head into the cylinder and burning?<br /><br />2) Is this just normal until everything seats in together?<br /><br />3) What tests should I do to see if I have an internal problem?<br /><br />4) Does it sound like a leaking valve seal or piston ring?<br /><br />I do have a two year warranty on the rebuild engine, however, being in a 29' boat makes it a little harder to get it back to the engine shop for service.<br /><br />Thanks for any/all advice<br /><br />-David
 

dick

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 4, 2001
Messages
433
Re: Rebuilt OMC 5.7 Smokes

Well there's you problem ,the Purolator PureOne filter.Sorry couldn't help it but any name brand filter and oil is fine this is not your problem.<br />The rule of thumb is...<br />blue smoke .............oil<br />black smoke..............fuel<br />white smoke................water or coolant<br />The first thing to due is pull the spark plugs,since you probbly put new plugs in with the new engine they can tell alot.<br />they should be a darkish coffee color,if they are black and sooty this could be a fuel or oil issue and if one is very clean this could be a water issue.<br />Also could you provide a little more info on the boat and engine,ie;make , sterndrive or shaft,fresh or raw water cooled.
 

KaGee

Admiral
Joined
Aug 14, 2004
Messages
7,069
Re: Rebuilt OMC 5.7 Smokes

A quick check of the spark plugs will let you know what cylinder(s)may be at fault. You say white smoke? Normally oil smoke is blue-ish.
 

rybad

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 20, 2004
Messages
215
Re: Rebuilt OMC 5.7 Smokes

Thanks guys..<br /><br />1) I believe it may be blue smoke.. my wife says it looks "blueish" (I am actually color blind and cant tell, so to me, it looks white as apposed to black).<br /><br />The boat is a 1989 Four Winns 285 Vista. OMC Cobra outdrive, all standard open cooling system. (The engine, and I suspect outdrive are 1988 model year).<br /><br />The engine seems to run fine. Although, as I type this one other thing that is a little odd comes to mind. The oil pressure guage on that engine is "almost" pegged at 80 at around 3200-3400rpm. (not sure if thats an issue ??)<br /><br />I will check the plugs tonight.<br /><br />-Dave
 

tommays

Admiral
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: Rebuilt OMC 5.7 Smokes

i am thinking that break-in oil needs more than 3 hours to let the rings find a good seal with the cylinder walls<br /><br />tommays
 

steve n carol

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 8, 2004
Messages
459
Re: Rebuilt OMC 5.7 Smokes

DAVID, The First thing I would do would be to contact the re-builder...in writing, Fax is good to, (with a date/time stamp on the page). You say they are a reputable shop, this is good. Then they will stand by their work. Get the 'ball rolling' with them, get a go ahead to work on this new motor. Or have them send a tech out to check this, (even if you have to pay a few $$). Your indulgence my cost you a warranty. <br />Rebuilt plenty only had a few smoke, one was from a broken piston ring, which I broke upon installation. The others eventually seated, and re-did 2 others. I have seen valve seals tear/cut upon installation too. The head shouldn't leak oil, this is a new unit, how old was the kid in the shop who worked on this?...sl <br />(document)
 
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