Innards question

[Scott Johnson <scott@domain.elided>]

I'm pretty sure I know what this is, but want to bounce it off the 
collective to make sure:

Car: 1971 1750 Spider, box-stock, SPICA et. al. 98k original miles, to 
my knowledge engine has never been opened up for anything more than a 
valve adjustment (I am the 3rd owner).

Indications: On cold startup, noticeable blue smoke out of the tailpipe 
at all RPM except idle. Smoke gradually disappears as car warms up, and 
no smoke is visible under normal driving conditions after operating temp 
is reached. However, when pushed hard the engine will still smoke at 
high RPM. I don't have exact oil consumption, but it's not awful. Say 1 
qt every 1-2k miles. Haven't looked at the plugs yet, I lost my good 
spark plug socket and don't want to wreck my lodge's with my taiwanese one.

I *think* this is valve guides, but I'm not sure.

FRED: Apologies for the noob description, which is probably making your 
teeth hurt. What, if any, tools would I need to properly diagnose this?

The car is (FINALLY) warmly ensconsed in its new sealed-concrete-floor 
and space-heater-climate-controlled garage (now with 32 feet of 40W 
florescent bulbs... you can get a suntan in there), so this is not an 
emergency. I'm just trying to get a bead on the $$$ of a serious future 
project.

Thanks to all in advance.

Scott Johnson
Alfa Spider FAQ Author
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