noisy, smokey fiesta

[frantic14]

I have a 1997 (P) ford fiesta (52,000 miles) that has a tappet knock (hydrolic tappets) and has started blowing out blue smoke from the exhaust. Most smoke when starting the engine and also when pulling away during driving. MOT due very soon!!
I seem to have different opinions of what to do about it. Does it need an engine change or could it just have the head changed
Can anyone offer any advice?

[homer75]

Blue smoke means it's burning oil - you need to establish how the oil is getting into the combustion chambers. At that mileage I would suspect valve stem oil seals which is an easy enough job. Two compression tests on each cylinder - second with a small amount of oil down the bore will let you know if there is significant bore wear. If bores are worn second reading will be higher. Probably it could do with having valves ground in and new stem seals. The tappet knock is another matter - if it is allowed to go on you will need new lifters and a new camshaft ( expensive ). At the end of the day you can pick up a complete engine for one of these quite cheaply.

[woodchopper]

Blue smoke on start up usually means the valve stem oil seals need attention - oil leaks past the seals and sits in the cylinder until burnt off at start up. Is usually a head off job for that.
You dont need to change the head, just get the seals sorted and grind the valves in.

[frantic14]

Thanks for your help. I have now been told the engine and camshaft need doing so i am going to px against something newer1