I changed my oil about 1000 miles ago, and the dipstick read FULL at the top of the XXXXXX area. Then I checked the oil, the level was 1/2 way on the XXXX area. The oil smells like gas, and kinda black. I know this is probably the death of my engine... but I have 600 miles to go for 100,000 miles.... I added 1/2 a quart to bring it back to the FULL level. I want to keep this engine as long as I can, because I'm probably taking this car to college next year.

 

It could be other things than piston rings. Like a head gasket. Do this: Pull each of your spark plugs (individually or you're liable to get the wires mixed up.) and see if it's got oil on it or is really black. Also do a compression test and see what you get. If you've got one cylinder that's really low than I would think it's probably the piston ring. Somebody correct me here if I'm wrong, but I think that a bad head gasket would probably result in oil/fouled plugs on one bank and not the other (unless both head gaskets were shot). Also check your PCV valves, it could just be that the crankcase gasses aren't able to escape as well do to a clogged PCV valve.

 

If it smells like gas then you've probably got leaking injectors and bad piston rings. Burning a quart in 1000 miles is not terrible, you just need to keep a few quarts on hand. It'll last for a while if you need it to.

 

Is there any smoke? Constant blue smoke from the tailpipe is a sign that the rings are bad. I would say there is a leaking injector or two that is causing gas to get into the oil while the car is sitting. Using a FP gauge can tell you if an injector is leaking. Tom P has outlined this in the past so do a search on the topic. On the compression test, it will tell you if the rings are bad, but after finding that compression is low in one cylinder, you need to suirt a little bit of oil into the spark plug hole. If the compression goes back up, its the piston rings. If the reading stays low, the problem is in the valves. If compression checks out OK, I would run some motor flush through the engine and change the oil.

 

Pull the plugs
Get a compression gauge with the SPARK PLUG FITTING
Plan on new timing chain, water pump, balancer sleeve job soon.
Where is school?
Freeway driving in LA calls for perfect operating cooling system.
CSUN requires making sure you know the bus route.
Or the phone number of that Cute Girl who offered a ride!
100K on these V-6 with decent effort of maintenance isn't difficult.
Compression better be in the 150 range.
PS Head valve guides wear quick on these V6's.

 

I think I'll have to stop by the Pacoima/Arleta Kragen, they loan tools out I think...

My high school is only about 3/4 of a mile away, but I have to pick up my brother every day so that makes it like 10 miles a day. (I know I don't drive it much, I'll go to the gym thats in Porter Ranch twice or 3x a week) CSUN is only once a week... that cute chic who offered a ride doesn't exist... lol, but I offered her a ride!

 

You local driver here's all ya need do.
Swap in new timing chain, Pioneer balancer sleeve, water pump, fresh fluids, then the ignition tune up.
You'll get about 3 more years outta the ride this way.

 

Did you put a full 5 quarts in w/ new filter and then start it up and THEN check the oil. I don't think your that critical for a timming chain at 100k. Do a compression test, I think you will find that everything is better then it looks.

Keep an eye on the oil level I think it's going to be fine. Check for leaks at rear seal and around the oil filter. MOST all check the the o-ring on the distruator.

You engine looks good in the pics.

 

It is a strongly suggested maintenance item.
My timing chains on the used long blocks I got, had worn chains at 44K & 50K.
One long block I bought, the idler block in chain "valley", needed replacement, was so worn.
The project is a great way to restore lots of lost power, & gain gas milage & a cooler running engine.
Really is a very wise project and a BIG gain for the effort.

Until I did this project to several of my high milage cars, I wouldn't have believed how beneficial the project was.
One of them was the 85 Firebird with the 2.8 before I blew it up.
I took that new 2.8 chain & placed it on the first 3.4 I bought.
Other was my 1974 Corvette & other was my 1985 S-10 Blazer with then 115,000 miles on it.
That Blazer engine lasted til 211,500 miles.
74 Corvette still strong at 134,000 original non rebuilt miles. Yes the original never machined heads allow the morning puff of blue!

 

you won't know if its the rings unless you do a compression check..i'd do that first before replace timing chains and a bunch of other crap.