Re: 288 smokes and tranny issue

Posted by Ross On 2019/11/21 8:36:26

At high miles engines of that era will smoke like a loaded freight train. High meaning anything over 80K depending on how it was used and cared for. A set of rings will do wonders and can be done on that engine in long afternoon. Run it a while and see if it doesn't get a bit better as things limber up. Could also try blocking the pipe from the vacuum section of the fuel pump to manifold. A breached diaphragm will let a lot of oil into the intake.

If it grinds going into gear at a stop it is the clutch. If it grinds while shifting it is the synchronizers in the trans. Change the trans oil and be sure to use a GL-1 rated 90 weight oil. GL-4 oils that are right for the rear axle have too many friction modifiers and the synchros can't grab properly.