I've recently had the engine rebuilt on my S-1 E-type(4.2 L). It's got maybe 1500 miles on the rebuild and still is using, in my opinion, too much oil. I would say 1/2 quart every 500 miles. When sitting at idle, then accelerating, I sometimes notice some white smoke out of the tailpipe. I never notice this once I am up to speed and just cruising down the road. Any thoughts?

Bill Cooper
\'67 E-type FHC, \'85 S-3 Sovereign
\'00 VDP

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Fri, 02/20/2004 - 00:45

Modern engine components need very little "running in" your engine should not be smoking at all. Your description sounds very much like bad valve seals or guides. You need to do a liitle more testing. Oil smoke is usually a dark grey, water or brake fluid smoke is usually white so check those three levels periodically to see just what fluids you are burning then return the car to the mechanic for rectification.

Jaguar affectionado and etc.

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Thu, 02/19/2004 - 14:03

Sounds like you're leaking somewhere internally (duh, brilliant observation on my part). It's hard to say what without doing some diagnostics on it. Do you see any obvious external leaks? Have you checked the oil for water? Or the water for oil to rule out a head gasket leak? Did the mechanic tell you to expect this as part of the breakin period, until the rings seat?

If it were me, I'd go back to the mechanic and discuss it with him. Show him what you're experiencing and make sure you document that you brought this to his attention. If he's reputable, you should have a warranty on the rebuild, and you want to document the problem now, just in case, while still under warranty.

I know this wasn't the most helpful response, but since no one else had jumped in, I thought I would.

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'72 E-type 2+2
'70 XKE FHC