
These valves regulate the amount of fuel-air mixture that is allowed in the cylinders for combustion. While the valves have guides or sleeves to keep combustion gases from passing through them, the seals on the top of the valves keep oil in the valve cover from being sucked down into the engine. Seals, typically made of high-strength rubber, fit over the top of the valve stem inside a small collar.
When the valve stem seal gets damaged, then the engine will still have good combustion, but there is more consumption of fuel. The high operating temperatures cause the material to harden and become brittle over time. And slowly, this will lead to cracking and complete failure of the valve stem seal.
One of the most noticeable signs of worn valve stem seals can be observed when you attain to start a cold engine. When the engine first starts up, residual oil gets sucked down through the bad seal and into the combustion chamber. A large cloud of blue-white smoke will be seen exiting the tailpipe just after start-up. The burning smoke will disappear during cruising or highway speed.
More fuel consumption
Increased fuel consumption due to worn or leaky valve stem seals will also increase hydrocarbon (HC) emissions in the exhaust. Oil burning can also damage the catalytic converter because phosphorus in engine oil contaminates the catalyst. If oil is fouling the spark plugs, misfiring can cause HC emissions to soar.
Excessive exhaust
If the valve stem seals have deteriorated enough, the blue-white exhaust smoke will last longer after start-up and whenever there is acceleration in a 4×4. Yet the smoke will eventually disappear after long engine operation or during periods of hot weather.
Dust and dirt from deteriorating valve stem seals is another worry that can cause extra issues inside an engine. When loose, the valve can move side to side in the drag and destroys the seal. If your vehicle is no longer in running condition, the 4×4 wreckers will inspect and give a good quote.







