Power loss and white smoke

[Kenneth Keith]

On 4/11/06, Bernie Benz <b.benz at charter.net> wrote:
>
> > From: "Kenneth Keith" <auditude at gmail.com>
<snip>
> > I would try some of the oil treatment stuff that is intended swell up
> > the seals that I think Bernie has suggested before for various things
> > as an alternative to replacing seals.  I believe my friend tried the
> > Lubro-Moly or similar German brand in his former CQ and it helped a
> > bit.  At least that way if it goes away you can rule out the smoke as
> > being related to the grunk noise.
> >
> Ken, the ³snake oil² is successful in refurbishing elastomeric rotary shaft
> seals but will do little for the Teflon valve stem seals nor the hard
> plastic seal used for the HP rod seal by ZF in their racks.
>
> Bernie

Hmm.  I don't disagree with that, but I can say my buddy did get some
relief from his former CQ's startup smoke problem when he tried the
Lubro-Moly (I believe) stuff for oil consumption.

My impression of that particular brand seems to be pretty good about
doing what it's supposed to do, instead of being only marketing hype. 
Actually, I don't really see it marketed anywhere except for from
places that sell German parts.

Perhaps the mechanism is different than the seal swelling I mentioned.
 I wouldn't think it is the type of thing that would have a placebo
effect like other feel-good efforts.  It's either smoking less or it
isn't.

I'm running Lubro-Moly's fuel injection and valve cleaner in my Coupe
GT right now.  I failed smog last week which I think is due to the old
gas from being parked for many months without any type of Sta-bil or
similar treatment.  I'm going to put the same fuel injection/valve
cleaner in my CQ to see if it helps with the
Hitachi-injector-possibly-going-out type symptoms it has.

Of course, if the valve stem seals are worn and causing the smoking
and oil treatment wont help, replacing them should work.

Regards,

Ken