CJ7 smoking at warmup near manifold and carb

[nazcool]

My 81 CJ7 AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l was recently rebuilt in part including new carb. I drove it to florida and its been running great, but the last couple days it smokes right at the engine block as soon as it warms up. there was some oil around cover and areas near exhaust and carb areas. smoke looks white/grey and motor purrs like a kitten. I can't seem to find a pcv valve so I cleaned mine and I cannot detect any suction. its not connected to the carb even though it appears it should be. ran fine from DC to St Pete in September. And its been running fine, but the smoke is a concern. any thoughts?

THIS LAST TIME I STARTED IT UP, SMOKE DIDN'T BEGIN UNTIL 5 MINUTES INTO WARM UP. LOOKING UNDERNEATH, ITS VERY WET AT OIL PAN, ETC ... AND MOISTURE ON EXHAUST PIPE. SOMETHING IS LEAKING ... I GUESS I NEED TO CLEAN IT ALL UP AND THEN WATCH THE AREA WHEN WARMING UP?

 

[Torxhead]

I think you should check for a valve cover leak. A good seal at the valve cover requires a clean contact surface and a good gasket like a Fel-Pro. After an engine rebuild a check of all the nuts and bolts would be a good bet. Even watching the engine with the hood up as it warms.

 

[nazcool]

I watch it warm up with hood up. I cleaned oil from top of cover and manifold area is clean. haven't checked the bolts to be sure all is tight.
if it was exhaust leak it would start smoking sooner than warm up? it appears something is dripping and its likely oil. just a guess.

 

[007]

Some guys will overtighten the valve cover, which pushes down on the gasket and creates a leak between bolts.

IF this has happened, then remove the valve cover, flatten the hole dimples made on the cover, get a new gasket and when you put it back, snug them all down, then just go a touch more. That's plenty.

 

[nazcool]

can't be sure that its the valve cover gasket, but the smoke is definitely oil getting out in a small amount somewhere perhaps lower and creating smoke on the manifold side of the block and smoke seems to begin from very low and then gets very smoky once its fully warm. still haven't driven it yet like this.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Make sure your PCV valve is not gunk'd up.
You still run'n the OEM plastic v'cover?
LG

 

[nazcool]

not sure about the cover. I don't think its the original. I tried cleaning the pcv valve, but I don't detect any suction using my finger and its not connected to the after market carb. could the pcv failure cause oil to leak in such a way that it would burn?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

If the PCV doesn't vent pressure from the crankcase, and the OEM breather filter is clogged-Yes.
LG

 

[nazcool]

Can't tell if pcv is working even after i cleaned it with carb cleaner. Its also not connected to the carb like i've seen in diagrams. How do i know its working and ahould i connect it to carb directly? Thanks for the input.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

This may help-
The PCV System

LG

 

[Posi]

https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/How-to-do-a-PCV-valve-test

engine pics will help

 

[nazcool]

Thank you. Seems simple enough. Wish i could find a pcv here. Nobody seems to have one in stock. Ugh.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Do you have a NAPA Auto Parts Store?
LG