Smoking a bit when cold is actually normal, means the choke is richening the mixture as it should. As long as it quits when warmed up and doesn't use too much oil I'd leave it alone. Keep an eye on the oil level. As someone pointed out, using a quart every 800 miles on the old 196 is normal if you run it sort of like a modern car (70 mph cruising, keeping up with traffic, etc.), though with just putting around you may get up to 1200 miles to a quart in a nearly new engine. 500 miles a quart wouldn't be excessive. It's a good oil change indicator. Add one quart when needed, twice, change when the third quart is needed. Will be in the 1500-3500 mile range, maybe as much as 3600, but only if you're lucky! ----------- Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2011 13:49:59 -0500 From: Bruce Griffis<bruce.griffis@xxxxxxxxx> For now I'm just sticking with the 195.6, following regular maintenance procedures, making sure to check the head torque and watching the temp. If it smokes a lot more, or smokes continuously, I'll figure out what to do (but will keep my eye open for 232's!). It's hitting the low 50's today. Smoke out the tailpipe was barely noticeable on start up, and cleared when warmed and driving around. I might just have to burn some junk off. -- Frank Swygert Publisher, "American Motors Cars" Magazine (AMC) For all AMC enthusiasts http://www.amc-mag.com (free download available!) _______________________________________________ AMC-list mailing list AMC-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx http://list.amc-list.com/listinfo.cgi/amc-list-amc-list.com