I've just had a similar situation, although I didn't carry out the work myself. I went to a "reputable" company based in West London, who actually ended up being a nightmare, and subsequently I've found to be known to Trading Standards, other mechanics, etc as a mega "no go zone"!!! They rebuilt the whole engine, replaced the head since it was beyond repair, plus numerous other bits and pieces. The upshot was that after 3 1/2 months...yes you did read that correctly, I ended up collecting it on a transporter. Although the engine works had been "completed", the engine couldn't be started 'cos the battery was stone dead and the clutch slave cylinder had been left hanging out of the bell housing!!! The engine has been cleaned and you can see where new gaskets have been fitted so some work has been done, but when we eventually got it started with a couple of booster packs, the thing smokes like a chimney!!! The smoke is grey, and doesn't smell of oil. I read in a recent magazine that this can sometimes caused by the seals in the brake master cylinder failing, and the vacuum take-off from the engine sucking brake fluid back into the engine. I've checked this, but to no joy. Also if you run the engine at fast tick over, the smoke gets much less, almost none existent. But then if you turn the engine off, and leave it a few minutes, then restart the engine again, the smoke is as bad as before. The helpful souls at the company that did the works want nothing to do with it (may something nasty fall on their heads from a great height!!), and it is now going through the credit card company to have it rectified/money returned. If anyone has any ideas of possible causes without me having to strip the whole engine to check every single internal component, it would be greatly appreciated. The whole saga has now been going on for 9 months, and I'm gradually losing hope of making this years London to Brighton run!! Cheers.
