Hi, I’ve got a 2008 mini cooper base (1.6) and I think it has a valve stem seal issue in the engine. When firing the car up after it sat for some time it will have blue smoke come out the tailpipe and it goes away. This also happens when stopping and accelerating again. I don’t think piston rings are the issue as the car has good compression, no blow by, and no loss of power. Also the plugs had oil on them when I took them out. I also did a piston soak to free up carbon and this did not change the oil consumption. Car has 155k miles. Would anyone agree with my assumption?

 

What were the exact cylinder compression numbers? Did addition of some engine oil to the cylinders substantially increase compression?

 

Each cylinder had over 210psi and I did the test when the car was already warm. Plugs were also wet with oil on all cylinders so I would say oil could’ve affected the results.

 

Is the PCV diaphragm functioning properly, that is properly venting the crankcase?

 

Yes, replaced the valve cover

 

Worn valve stem seals seems to be the best fit.