Have you heard of burning oil because of bad valve clearances?

[Mordan]

Hey

My 325 is burning oil (blue fumes) and sounds taptaptaptap

I'm told by BMW it is the piston rings and besides it sounds like an old motor in need of a full overhaul.

but a mechanics i know tells me maybe not the rings and proposes to adjust the valves to fix the 2 problems.

Does this makes sense?

Has anyone fixed burning oil in the rear muffler with valve adjustments ?

Here it is

http://www.mordan.biz/bmw/bmw_e30_inside_oil.jpg
clean oil and does not sniff, snort or snuffle (=> not a head gasket problem)

Thank you.

[Tiger]

Do a compression test... leakdown test if possible. It is most likely your valve guide seals are shot.

[whiskychaser]

Do a compression test... leakdown test if possible. It is most likely your valve guide seals are shot.

x1
If compressions are low, drop a tsp of oil down the plug holes. If they increase markedly its rings-the oil wont of course seal the valves. Thats where the leakdown test comes in. Wont stop the tap-tap but at least your will know. If you are going to put on valve guide seals you may as well go the whole hog and check the valve stems themselves for wear. Sorry but I doubt adjusting valves will stop it burning oil:(

[Ross]

I don't see valve lash adjustment curing oil burning.

[Ferret]

I don't see valve lash adjustment curing oil burning.

Yeah, it'll only stop the racket the engine's making.
You may find that the noise and the oil consumption are not related...