1993 Tercel Burning Oil

Do a wet and dry compression test to rule out the rings.

But that really only checks the compression ring doesn't it (i.e. not the oil rings)?

That's why you do dry and wet compression tests.

Here is what I have been told (corrections welcome):

Find a long hill and get going downhill at a good clip; remove your foot from the accelerator and coast for a while; then step hard on the accelerator. If you get a cloud of smoke out the exhaust, it is probably oil being sucked down the valve stems, indicating bad valve seals or guides.

Merritt

Odds are it is the valve guide seals as it is a common problem in a high mileage engine american or foriegn. It is not something to realy get concerned about unless you are adding more than a quart of oil every 1500 miles or so.

What concerns me isn't the puff of smoke... What does concern me that is about about 20 mins being stuck in traffic (i.e. at a border crossing, or when there's a traffic jam), it starts smoking.. after 30 mins it's enough to start annoying the ppl behind me.. If I'm going to sell the car, I'd really like to fix it, assuming it's not the rings (because I don't think that's a DIY job for me).

IF the car sits for a long time, how long does it take for the oil smoke to go away? If it is gone within 5 miles or so, it probably is the valve guides; if longer, or puffing under a load it is the oil rings. Obviosly, replacing the valve guide seals is going to be a LOT more cost efficient than the oil rings, and on a car this old, unless it is in REALLY good shape I'd be looking for a newer one.

Is it passing any inspections? If it is, then live with it! I've seen these things go 50-70,000 miles blowing oil like a Diesel!

Never smokes under load.. Only on start up, and if idling for more than

Sounds like one of my former co-workers ;-)

Seriously, with those symptoms, I'd start by inspecting the valve stem seals.

Ok.. thanks for all your help (with the coolant system problem too!)... Gonna replace the valve stem seals on Saturday...

Gee, I've sot two cars with valve stem seal problems, but neither one smokes after sitting more than 15 minutes at idle.

The Supra smoke like the dickens if it sits longer than a week! I mean a large, noticable cloud, but if I run it everyday it doesn't smoke at all.