puff of smoke, startup only.

[codyb76]

Has anyone had smoke on startup with the 1.3 16v engines? I have three now doing it and the strange part is they seemed to start this overnight. I checked two of them over thoroughly and they seemed great. Get them home and next time i start them cloud of blue, then no more smoke! Seems like valve stem seals, but i have never had a valve stem seal problem on any other suzuki engine so i'm a bit surprised.

[Bruce Riehl]

I had this problem with a van several years ago. The problem started overnight because a valve seal cracked, probably due to age, and allows oil to seep down the valve stem. While the engine is running, you won't see the oil as it burns off because of the small amount but there is an accumulation of oil ends up in the intake manifold after the engine sits for a period of time. This is why the visible smoke is only seen upon start up.
Taking the valve cover off probably won't help because it is hard to see the valve seals well enough to tell if they are ALL still sealing. To be sure, you must dis-assemble the valve and valve springs, and take all the seals out and inspect each one. It only takes one to be your problem too.
If you determine this to be your problem, I would recommend a referbished head as a replacement as opposed to having your rebuilt. It will probably be cheaper. Bruce

[codyb76]

Removed valve cover and cam. Installed new seal on all valves. Works perfect now. Cost $40. Worth every penny. Took about two hours or so. You were right, the seals were totally baked. Never seen a bad valve stem seal on any aother Geo before. I think the 16v engine is harder on them or they lowered quality on the seals.

[Bruce Riehl]

Glad you solved the problem and fixed it in an economical manner too. You taught us all something today. Good going, Cody B. Bruce