White smoke

[pskipper]

Hi,

Betsy is emitting white smoke from the exhaust almost consistently. I checked the compression on all 4 cylinders which was 125 150 150 150 from front to back. If I lift the filler cap there is a whisp of smoke. The breather seems clear (attached to the tap on the manifold you can get so much suction that you can't remove the filler cap so I presume it can't be blocked!)

The bottom end is rebuilt but the head is of uncertain origin. I can't remember what smoke from the filler cap is supposed to mean!

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Philip

[aupickup]

white smoke from exhaust may mean the head gasket is gone, ie water burning equals steam hence white smoke

[mike.perry]

I would expect a blown head gasket to show on the compression check. Have a look at the plugs.
Does the white smoke disperse rapidly? Are you sure it is not blue smoke?

[bmcecosse]

The compression on #1 is desperately low - so yes - I assume it's leaking into the water space and vice versa

[pskipper]

Taken the head off! When running a steel ruler across the head and block at various angles they both appear completely flat, however the copper head gasket had delaminated so I'm guessing that was the cause of the problem. It had only done 200 miles so it must have just been dodgy to start with.

Going to clean the head to make sure there are no hidden issues (any advice on head cleaning for the complete beginner would be more than welcome).

Thanks,

Philip

[PSL184]

Get a large sanding block. Wrap it in 180 grit wet and dry paper. Rub a little cutting compound into both the face of the block and the head and with light rubbing action "sand" the faces. This will remove any slight imperfections etc. When you put the straight edge along the head and block make sure they are both perfectly flat by trying a .005" feeler gauge under your straight edge - just to be sure.

[pskipper]

Thanks, both faces are true which is a relief, especially as it's the engine Lynda and I bought from you Looking at the head it's time for new oil seals too!

[PSL184]

Thanks, both faces are true which is a relief, especially as it's the engine Lynda and I bought from you Looking at the head it's time for new oil seals too!

Well, the bottom end was

That was defo a good block so I wouldn't worry about it. Concentrate on getting good clean faces for the gasket to seal against and re-seat your valves etc.... Shouldn't give you any problems

Kicking myself now actually cause I could use a good 1098 block

Let me know if you need any more help.

[pskipper]

The one it replaced, as far as we know, has a good block. The bottom end had gone. If you fancy a trip to Swindon you can have it as we are trying to de-clutter the garage! We'll throw in a cup of tea too and if you are lucky there's a chance to meet polo2k (and see IGOR) or RobHardy as they live round the corner

[bmcecosse]

I don't fancy the wet&dry/cutting compound with sanding block! Eeeeeeeek. If they are not flat - they need proper surface grinding. Any obvious reason for #1 compression being low ? Were the valve seats in poor condition ?? What head casting is it ??

[PSL184]

I wasn't suggesting wet & dry would true a deformed block or head - just to provide a tight seal to an already true arrangement.

May well take you up on the offer "skip"

I'll try and set some time aside for a run out and I'll bring the biccies

[pskipper]

Sounds good PSL

BMCecosse I've only looked at the valves on no1 so far, they had heavy carbon deposits on the valves and seats, I've cleaned them off and they sit much better. Not sure what you mean about which casting though?

[bmcecosse]

You really need to grind the valves in - not just 'clean them up'! Casting number - on top surface - to identify the head type.

[pskipper]

12G202

[bmcecosse]

Standard head for a 1098 then!

[pskipper]

Yup, as far as I know the only non-standard bit about the engine is that the rockers are solid MG type ones.

[bmcecosse]

Solid MG type ??????? You mean - cheap sintered Mini type - which are 'ok' on a standard engine - but NOT to be used on a modified engine. The standard Minor pressed steel rockers are considered to be almost the 'best' type to have - apart from the genuine cast steel Cooper S rockers. Even then - it's a close thing.

[pskipper]

polo2k said they were gooduns so I guess they must be the cast steel. He's also given us good tips for grinding in the valves.

[bmcecosse]

Don't think so! But doesn't matter on a standard engine anyway..........