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I get a puff of smoke sometimes...PCV?

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Old 12-13-2006, 10:34 AM
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Default I get a puff of smoke sometimes...PCV?

90 sse.

Car runs great and never smokes at all except on occassion when I first start in the morning or sometimes when I start it after having driven it. maybe a puff 1 out of ten times. ....kmaybe 1 out of twenty. It is a pretty substantial cloud too.

Also....sometimes after running at interstate sppeds and then letting off the throttle to decelerate for a stop or turn.....I get a puff or small cloud when I come to a stop on 1 out of ten (twenty) similar situations.

This erratic behavior and the thing that comes to mind from my old days of hotrodding is a stopped up PCV.

I am not sure if the 90 sse has a PCV or if others have had similar issues or can offer advice or suggestions...I appreciate your thoughts.
Old 12-13-2006, 11:28 AM
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You do have a pcv.

That first puff would typically mean a bad valve seal..but the 3800'* aren't known for that at all.
Old 12-13-2006, 06:50 PM
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checked the vacumn modulator for trans fluid in it? if there is any, then the modulator has failed (happened to mine) and was sucking trans fluid into the intake. Worth a look
Old 12-13-2006, 07:30 PM
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The easiest way is check the vacuum line for trans fluid like crazy said. The thorough way to check, even if there is no puff in the exhaust, is remove the modulator [1 13mm bolt], and push the plunger in, if trans fluid comes out the vacuum line, it'* in need of replacing. If none comes out the vacuum line, then you will need to look elsewhere. But because you said when you come to a stop, that sounds like a typical cause of modulator failure. They are cheap, and the new one you buy is adjustable, so you can crank up some nice firm shifts for longer trans life.
Old 12-14-2006, 05:24 PM
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OSG. Where do I get the new modulators that you speak of? How is it adjustable? Might be something for me to check out.

Sorry for hijacking the post.

Thanks.
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