I have a 1992 4wd pick-up/ 22RE engine with about 220,000 miles on it. This is the first year in 10 that it has not passed smog. I am over the numbers for HC (PPM) at 15 mph the max is 95 and my truck is at 157 (!!) at 25mph it's at the max at 115.
Insights?

Also there is white smelly smoke on cold start or after sitting for sometimes less than 30 minutes (IOW not necessarily cooled all the way down). No milky oil or loss of coolant, although it does drink a lot of oil which I understand is usual for this truck. I need to add a quart every 1000 miles or so.

..and last but not least there is a lower engine rattle that happens after warmed up and when I drive outside of its *sweet spot* on freeway or in town. I've had a guy who has worked on these trucks all his life listen to it and does not think it is the timing chain, but kind of an alarmist and says I need a new engine

Is it time for a rebuild?
Thank you!

 

Most definitely!
The smoke on start up is probably valve stem seals I'm about 99.999991% sure. And with the bottom end rattling per say everything is more than likely loosening up. So yeah go through that thing

 

ugh...

If it is valve stem seals how long do you guess I can limp it along until a I can afford the rebuild?
thanks

 

or when should I absolutely stop driving it?
i know these are horrible questions, but I have to get as much out of this engine as I can until I can afford the rebuild...

 

Best bet is to find a whole motor and build it then swap them out.

 

Unless I'm misunderstanding something, leaky valve seals would allow oil into the cylinders, which would cause blue smoke, not white. White smoke is usually evidence of coolant leaking into the cylinders, which is more likely a head gasket, all though there are other possible causes as well. If it only smokes on startup or when somewhat cool, you'd never notice the coolant loss. Only takes an ounce or so to create enough steam out the tailpipe so you think your vehicle's on fire. Could be that as parts heat up, whatever is leaking is closing up tight and stopping the leak. Although I've never done one, from reading on this forum changing a head gasket on a 22RE isn't a horrible job.

You mentioned the smoke was "smelly". Does it smell sweet (coolant) or more like burning tires (oil)? Since you're failing HC, that points more to burning oil. But again, then the smoke would be more blue than white.

 

You are correct. But I have seen small amounts of oil leak past valve stem seals and cause white smoke. He also mentioned nothing of a misfire situation along with abnormal oil consumption so I said
Hey what's those valve ste
m seals talkin bout??
But otherwise you are correct