Hi guys, i`m new to the forum but have a dilemma , my brother wants rid of his '91 3.0 v6 Lebaron, he said i could have if i wanted, the problem is the head gasket has gone, so he bought and got fitted a second hand engine from a voyager, which when it drives is ok , let it stand ticking over then rev it , blue smoke appears, kinda like oil is building up somewhere then reving it draws it through, is it worth investigating the burning oil with the fitted voyager engine, or would it be better to do the headgaskets on the original engine which is now out of the car and refit it?
Or i could just say i don`t want the car.

Any advice would be good. Especially if anyone has heard of 3.0 v6's with this burning oil problem.

 

matt,

The early 3.0 engines were notorious for having terrible valve guides, which would prematurely wear. Usually, by about 60,000 miles they would be toast. The worn guides allow oil that is lubricating the valve train and cams, to leak past the valve stems and into the cylinders.
If bad enough, the oil will leak down, even at idle, and get burned in the cylinders. It's even worse upon sitting overnight, giving the oil time to pool in each cylinder. Upon first startup the next day, you get a large cloud of smoke that diminishes after it runs for a bit.
This is not to be confused with constant smoking, regardless of rpm range or length of runtime, which would indicate worn piston rings. (oil forcing it's way up past rings from oil pan and into cylinders while running)

This all means that, unfortunately, it's time to remove the heads and take them to a shop where new guides can be installed. It would also be a great idea to make sure the heads' mating surfaces are truly flat, and have them milled if they are not! Then, a pair of MLS (Multi-Layer-Steel) head gaskets and proper torque, and you will be in good shape for a long time! Also, while you're in there, it's probably a good idea to replace the timing set. It's just good practice and CHEAP INSURANCE against future problems in this area.

Best of luck with it and let me know how it goes!