134k advice?

  1. Newbie Joined: Apr 2010 Exeter Posts: 4 1997 VTR
    #1
    i have a 1997 saxo vtr with 134k miles. it runs perfect and starts fine but the other day i noticed a small puff of blue smoke when it started but then nothing when it was running. is this a sign that my engine is on its way out? what mileage can be expected from these engines before they have had it? with the mileage that high i cant help thinking that the next time i put my foot down could be the last before it goes bang. i need some advice on what to do. thanks.
  2. Established Member Joined: Jun 2007 Bristol - St George Posts: 2364 Mk2 Saxo VTS
    #2
    Valve stem seals by sounds of it mate, nothing too majour

    Engine will last alonger then 134k if its looked after, been told the engines in saxo's are good engines by few mechanics.......its just the gearboxes that lets them down.
  3. Established Member Joined: Dec 2009 Bolton Posts: 1068 Saxo 1.4i sx
    #3
    The puff of blue smoke is from the valve stem oil seals. When cranking the engine from cold, the induction stroke vaccum draws some oil down the valve stem into the engine. When the engine is warmed the seals expand up a little. The engine wont go bang probably it will just start to get noisy, or fail the MOT on emissions and wont be worth reconditioning
  4. Newbie Joined: Apr 2010 Exeter Posts: 4 1997 VTR
    #4
    it passed its mot only a month ago so i dont have to worry about that for a while. if it starts to get rattly is it worth changing the big ends as theyre only £35 on ebay.
  5. Established Member Joined: Dec 2009 Bolton Posts: 1068 Saxo 1.4i sx
    #5
    "and wont be worth reconditioning"
  6. Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2008 Newcastle Posts: 212 1.1 Mk1
    #6
    surely if you can pick up parts cheap and do the work yourself, it'll work out quite cheap and let your car keep going for longer?
  7. Established Member Joined: Dec 2009 Bolton Posts: 1068 Saxo 1.4i sx
    #7
    ok do it then