performance issues

tim8600 · Post by **tim8600** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:41 am

Hers's what i got goin on. When I first start my car it runs like crap and smokes with low power for about a min then it seems to run ok. In the last 2000 miles i have used a qt of oil (no oil leaks). The car is a 00 ES ATX with 101k on it. I also only get about 24MPG overall 1/2 city and 1/2 hwy. i used to get about 28 with my other neon with mtx but i guess thats prolly just do to the atx. My other neon was also a 00 ES with over 130k and it would only use 1/4 of a qt or less oil between oil changes. Any ideas, possible piston rings or valve stem seals?

Post by **occasional demons** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 12:29 pm

Valve seals, and prolly guides. Rings won't clear up after a minute, and don't usually have heavier smoke at startup, due to the oil draining away from them. Given enough time, the valve seal issue will create constant smoke also.

While the head is off, getting new giudes/seals/valve grind, put a new waterpump, timing belt, etc. while you are there. It is going to run you some $ (About $600+ doing it all yourself), but you will be set for another 100,000 with good maintenance.

And actually the oil consumption is not that far off from "normal"

A quart every 3000 miles is considered normal, when it comes to warranty claims.

A leakdown test may be a good investment, just to be sure the engine is sound enough to put the cash into tho.