Wanted; Engine

[ptjs1]

Gordon,

I wouldn't want to undermine your mechanic who I'm sure is more knowledgeable than me but what is making him think that the bores or pistons have gone on one bank?

As others have said, black smoke indicates over-fuelling not oil burning. The idea of pistons / bores failing on one bank of a V8 sounds rather strange. I'm not sure how that could happen. Has your mechanic undertaken compression readings across all 8 cylinders?

Massive over-fuelling on one bank is a real possibility. As I mentioned, I had it on my x308. A failed lambda sensor on the LH bank had caused the consumption to go to 8mpg, it failed the idle emission test and the exhaust was black because of the massive over-fuelling on that bank. Comparing the plugs on each bank is a simple check. Checking lambda voltage readings is an easy check also, I can do it with my mobile phone hooked up to an OBDII plug.

If you are thinking of changing the engine, you should definitely change the sensors anyway so you'll be buying two sensors anyway. (Try Gendan for really good prices on sensors.)

If the plugs are dry and black rather than wet an oily, you could try just cleaning the plugs, putting one of the new sensors on that bank and run the engine again. It could be money well spent!

I know that you probably don't want any more suggestions Gordon, but a few checks and questions would at least confirm that you really have an engine rather than a fuelling problem.

Good luck with whatever transpires.

Paul

[GordonJ]

To Rob, Paul and Paul
thank you for all the constructive suggestions I don't mind in the slightest. I know everyone is trying to help. First to Rob, not sure what oil was in the engine and I haven't done enough mileage or time with the car to warrant an oil change. All I can say is that knowing the previous owner and his skill level I am sure the correct oil was in the car. But I take on board what you say and I'll be checking what goes into the new engine.
Now to both Paul's
In my haste to describe what colour the smoke was, I have just had a terrible row from the wife to describe it properly. The heavy smoke was blue, and now having just checked it myself it is blue turning slightly to black. As whether it is pistons or bores not sure yet, but you can smell the heavy stench of oil from the emissions. The car has been well checked and pretty sure it's the engine and not sensors. There was all sorts of reasons and explanations given to me and I must add that in my disappointment with what was happening I didn't take it all in, till a later visit back to the mechanic where everything was explained to me. All sensors and other parts have been checked with the latest diagnostic equipment and I am happy to go along with what has come out of this.

Regards
Gordon