I have a Durango with a 318. If I let it sit for a while (couple days), then start it up, it burns oil like crazy and is coming out of the exhaust. It settles down to the point where you can't even tell its burning oil after its warmed up. The thing has been burning oil for quite some time and I've never figured out where its going. Recently it has gotten worse.
I'm not sure where the oil is leaking and I'm wondering where I should check first. Any Ideas?

3 years ago (~20K miles) I replaced the plenum gasket and one of the PCV valves.

 

Well, not sure but it sounds like a valve stem seal problem... Are you sure it's oil? What color is the smoke? Oil is usually blue in color and fuel is black... I am just wondering if it is running rich during a cold start condition?

 

ck eng light on?
any fluid missing- coolant, trans, just oil?

sounds typical valve seal problem, smoke on start up after sitting..
Spark plugs- what is colour? wet and black would be a tell tale.

A recheck of the PCV system vac side and fresh air side - easy and no cost...

 

COuld be worn valve guides. Do a compression test.

 

comp test not advised for valve seals...

valves will be closed in compression cycle

 

Oh ya!

What color is the smoke?

 

Check down inside the TB for oil... again. Plenum could be bad once more.

IMHO... NEVER go back in with a oem plenum setup. Go with an aftermarket plenum replacement setup. Problem gone never to return.

IndyD

 

Thanks for the input guys! I don't have any stored codes or check engine light. I'm 90% sure the smoke is from oil but I'm not an expert. I'm thinking with the loss of 2qts of oil, that makes the most sense. Tranny fluid and coolant levels are stable. I'm going to check the plugs next and see.

How hard is it to do valve seals on a 318?

 

Head job at $650 if you tare it down and IF they are good. 2 hours tear down, 2 hours clean up total time and 2 1/2 hous re-install.