Exhaust Problem?

You really should try an automotive repair forum.

It would seem that the vehicle is running excessively rich when cold.

If the tailpipe exhaust is directed toward the ground, maybe you could cut the elbow off and add a piece of straight pipe so the exhaust is directed straight out and not at the ground.

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It's probably valve seals, piston rings, etc...........causing you to burn oil.

Do a search to the right for cavalier problems, and you will soon realize that it's almost time for another car. Your car is sending you smoke signals trying to warn you.

The Car Allowance Rebate System has determined that smoking is bad for your health. You should stop driving it, and trade 'er off.

I agree with others... ring or cylinder problem, valve blow-by maybe. Expensive to fix, and when rebuilt you still have a bad car.

Is the Cavalier a troublesome car? We get more questions about it that anything else.

A 97 2+2 eh? No it's not old enough to smoke

Dark spots would indicate soot...soot is an indicator of a car running rich. A car running rich will set the check engine light if the emissions system is calibrated correctly. This could be a carb, injector or valve problem. Clean the fuel system thoroughly and check the air intake. Improper calibration of either air or fuel will upset the stoichiometric ratio, which a dirty air filter could add to. The engine temperature may also cause poor fuel air mix. If you cannot check any or all of these things, take it to someone who can.

Lyn-lynch has sprayed your air filter with clear enamel. He does it all the time just so he can sell a few of them damn snake oil injectors.

The first thing you should do is get someone to read the codes stored in your vehicle's computer. From there we can help guide you better. The situation sounds like a rich condition. The question, is why. The codes will help discover that. Good luck.

Sounds to me that the valve guide seals are worn and need replacement....you'll need to pull the head and have it serviced. The Chevy 2.2L has always have been a lame duck....in my opinion one of the worse engines that GM has ever manufactured.

You don't give us the mileage on that motor. What is it? Also, consider the freaking age of the car, what with all the wear and tear that it's gone through in it's 14 year life!

Does the smoking stop after the engine has warmed up? If yes, it's my opinion that the valve seals are the culprit. If not, start looking at the piston rings next and have a cylinder compression test done on every cylinder. If the tests come back as adequate, then most likely the emissions control needs to be serviced.......checking thrown codes is priority!

Good luck

====signed CaptMoosie, backyard/shade tree mechanic.

A good check for leaking valve seals: run up to about three quarters throttle in 3rd or 4th gear then quickly let of the gas as you look in the rear view to see blue smoke.