picked up a 1996 MK3 CLI for my stepson.. seeking some advice

[rossgti]

I'm the proud owner of a mkv gti so when my stepson was ready for a car we couldn't resist a tidy 96 CLI 1700cc, it is 'minty', less than 100,000kms.  However a few days into it we needed a bit of work such as a new engine mount and gasket.  It seems to be running well and mechanic did not see any other issues.  This morning I started it and a big poof of smoke came out so not sure what to make of that.  It is parked on quite a steep slope so maybe that had something to do with it?  I'm not clued up on engines.  Hopefully it is not indicating a wider problem 

Would love to hear from anyone with a CLI so I can find out the quirks..  Thanks!

[Ben Lessani]

Smoke on starting usually points at valve stem seals.

[rossgti]

cool, might take it in for a look.  I noticed subsequent starts and running today have been fine.  I did hear some engine clattering at times going up hills which is also valve related maybe? thanks

[Ben Lessani]

I would doubt it - if the pistons are slapping the valves, it wouldn't last long. But it does make me wonder what type of clattering, if its something trivial like a loose exhaust heat shield or exhaust knock - your fine, but if its knocking under load, it could well be big-end bearings.

[rossgti]

yeah i think it might be the exhaust clattering..  took it for a spin and she runs great but every now and then gets a bit of clatter for a couple seconds.  I have some steep hills here and up hill 3k rpm no clatter or anything.  Another thing I noticed was the shift lever (it's an auto) it is sitting on "N" but it's actually in "D", so it's like the lever is misaligned..