The smoke is most likely valve seals. Fix it if you want, but it probably doesn't hurt anything unless it noticeably uses oil. As for the engine rolling over several times before starting, I can't help there. My dad's 87 does the same thing. I assume we're talking about the 87 K5, RIGHT?
Pete

 

Yea, what vehicle are you talking about? THe smoke is like said above, the valves. Get a valve job. My old 85 took a while to start up sometimes. I had to push the gas peddle one time and then it started right up. Its probably the carberator. Make sure all your hoses, and mechanical parts of the carburator are in working condition and tune the carb. That should take care of the problem. Oh, and what color is the smoke? white or black?

 

smoke at startup is probably the seals....no big deal unless it uses oil noticeably and/or you foul plugs quickly...with 130K on the clock I'd wait to fix it when you do the rest of the motor...I think Murphy's Law says that if you fix the seals...you'll turn a crank bearing or something...if ya leave it alone it'll run forever...K5

 

My brand new crate 350 does that. This motor has less than 1000 miles on it. It white smokes comes out after I start it in the morning(after its been sitting for a while) and it only last for like a minute. No biggie though, I think most 350s do this.
Boss

 

Changing valve stem seals is pretty easy, cheap and it'll take care of that smoke if you want to do it. To do it you need access to an air compressor (air tank 'might' work) and a valve spring compressor. You can rent or buy a valve spring compressor for around $15. Also need an adapter that adapts an air hose to a spark plug fitting. Napa sells them for $5.

Then, remove your spark plugs and valve covers. Work with one set of rockers at a time. Remove the rockers (mark the nuts and the rockers so you can get them back on correctly). Hook up the compressed air to your spark plug hole (don't need high pressure) and compress valve spring with valve spring compressor. Then remove valve keepers with a pen magnet. Once spring is off... you can replace the valve stem seals - the compressed air holds the valve from dropping down into the cylinder. Then just put it back together the same way and go on to the next two valves.

I just did this to my truck.. done it to several chevy's over the yrs. Works like a charm. I use the umbrallla seals instead of the O-ring type seals the factory uses. Some guys use both. Whole job takes about 1.5 - 2 hrs. Seals are cheap.

Take care,

MLG

 

the 87 had the fuel injected engine so the fuel pump has to build up pressure before it starts so before turning it over turn the key foward as if to use accessories let build up for a few seconds it should start right up first time thats at least how my 87 is also the smoke sounds like valve seals r leaking down

CaLeB/wwwthreads_images/icons/laugh.gif
RiVeR CiTy OfFrOaD

 

Mine smoked too and I replaced the valve seals and it took care of it. I put the umbrella seals on mine on both the intake and exhaust. I used the type with the teflon inserts and found them at my favorite machine shop. If you can't get the locks to release, tap the top of the valve with a plastic deadblow hammer and that will release it. Hope this helps.

Mark

 

Its the K5, thanks for all the ideas, the smoke is white with maybe a little blue tint. It doesnt seem to use any oil. Only smokes for a second after it starts. Maybe I can stick it in grandpas shop and convince him to look at the valves, but hes still cranky that I bought another GM and still havent sold the Pathfinder or finished the Olds or Pontiac. He may just use that as an I told you so. As far as the starting do yall think a good electric fuel pump would do the trick? I have a big fat carter laying around in the shop somewhere?

I didnt even realize I didnt mention what vehicle, Im going to have to start doing that now, im kinda on all sides of the fence, 90 Toy, 87 K5, 90 Pathfinder ( For Sale ), 00 Ford F150 2wd, and my Company vehicle is a Dodge 2500 Van, that about rounds out the trucks. 76 Firebird 400, 68 Olds Cutlass Convertable. Im starting to feel like im running a used car lot.

JAG
Las Vegas NV

90 X-Cab Toyota V6 5Speed, 4 inch procomp, 3 inch DC, 35x 12.50 BFG Baja's./wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif
87 K5 Blazer Silverado Bone stock. The womans ride.

 

My '87 Seemed to be hard to start, well I replaced the starter as it seemed to be draging, well that didn't help. So I had the battery load tested, it showed it needed to be replaced. (New in Nov '99) I replaced it under warrenty. Well now it starts like a new one! As for the smoking, thats a small block Chevy thing. It really isn't worth putting guides in if it isn't using oil real bad!

(cool) '87 Chevy 1/2t SWB in the making!

 

My 350 smokes sometimes too. The starting problem is easy to fix. Just hit the starter with a hammer and it starts a lot better.

90K5