engine smoking

[jeffs68]

I started my engine for the first time to do the break in the other day and lots of smoke was coming out of the breathers on the valve covers. I thought maybe it was just a break in thing but now every time I run the engine it continues to smoke from the breathers. I checked the plugs and the engine was running a little on the rich side but nothing horrible so I don't think that is it and I'm not sure what else could cause this. Any help would be appreciated.

[gordonquixote]

you rings probably haven't seated yet and you are getting blow-by past the rings and into the crankcase - this then vents as you described.

Once the rings seat, you should be fine.

[jeffs68]

Thats what I'm hoping it is I'm getting nervous because I thought they pretty much seated on the first break in but maybe not. It's my first new engine so I'm not sure what normal is. thanks

[70bird]

Thats what I'm hoping it is I'm getting nervous because I thought they pretty much seated on the first break in but maybe not. It's my first new engine so I'm not sure what normal is. thanks

One way to "help" the rings to seat a little faster is run them through a couple of heat cycles.
Once the cam is properly broken in, and the car is road worthy. Find a long steep grade to climb. Keep the rpm's down and let it lug up the hill a bit, allowing engine temp to climb a bit higher than normal. Let the motor cool for a while, and maybe do it again if the blow-by hasn't stopped.

[jeffs68]

Thanks, I'll give that a try.