White exhaust smoke and Oily Spark Plug?

Post by **stephenpolhill** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 9:55 am

Hi there. After a recent trip to Knebworth Classic Car Show, my parents pointed out that when I accelerated, I had white smoke coming out of the exhaust. I had a look at it again when started from cold and when warmed up and when I revved up even slightly, white smoke would come out of the exhaust more than usual. I then inspected the spark plugs and all were ok but the rear one (nearest the battery) had quite a bit of oil on it. I wiped it off, went on a short drive and came back and it was oily again. I have just checked the same one today after a 200 round mile trip yesterday and it had a bit of oil on the thread and the top part doesn't look too good.
When driving around I have noticed the engine is rattling more than usual especially at 60 where before it was fine.
Dad has said I may have a worn piston ring and that the smoke and the spark plug could be linked but I thought I would check if anyone else has had this problem?
Thanks Alot
Steve

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 10:04 am

WHITE smoke is either water vapour - or brake fluid burning. Do you have a servo ?? Oil burning is more a blue haze. Swap that plug into a different cylinder for a while - and see what happens. Also check the valve gaps. If the oil consumption is not excessive - it will last a while yet!

Post by **stephenpolhill** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 10:28 am

Actually, it is more bluey white. I don't have a servo no.
I have put a new plug in that cylinder just now and started the engine and left for a couple of minutes. Taken the plug out and its got oil on it too. :S

Post by **MarkyB** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 11:35 am

It sounds like the head needs to come off at least.
Blown head gasket could explain the symptoms you are seeing but so would a broken piston ring.
Did you drive it faster than it's been for 30 years on the way to the show?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 12:21 pm

It's going to be 'rings' problem. Either live with it while you source another engine - or head and sump off - and pop the pistons.
Quick check - engine hot and idling - take the oil filler cap off and rev upo the engine - is there a plume of smoke/fume ?

linearaudio · Post by **linearaudio** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 1:33 pm

Could also be a burnt/ cracked exhaust valve. I had this, and the suction on the intake stroke was sucking oil down the exhaust valve guide. The rattling could be pinking.

Post by **stephenpolhill** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 2:23 pm

It still amazes me how good the help on here is.
MarkyB I did drive about 65-70 but I have been doing that since about May time on long journeys, ie cornwall, peaks district etc.
I will check anything you guys have mentioned a bit later (oil cap off etc) and let you know. Anything else I should check whileI am at it?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 2:26 pm

Compression check is always a good start! But it's going to be low on that cylinder - you can be sure. A good spare engine is what you need-start looking!

linearaudio · Post by **linearaudio** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 6:00 pm

bmcecosse wrote:Compression check is always a good start! But it's going to be low on that cylinder - you can be sure. A good spare engine is what you need-start looking!

Or, if it's a cracked valve, time to fit a 12g940?

Post by **stephenpolhill** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 7:06 pm

I have just taken the oil cap off and revved, no smoke coming from the engine.
I don't think I want a new engine if anything is gone, I would prefer to work on my own and take it apart and repair etc. More fun

. I will probably take it to a local Moggy specialist in time for him to check it out but I am not going to use the car as much as I have been.
I will keep you updated with anything else and I might need more help.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 7:55 pm

no smoke is a good sign - I think you may be worrying too much! beware the 'Minor Specialist' !!!!!

Post by **stephenpolhill** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 7:57 pm

Thats ok then. I am more worried about whether to use the car or not and if I do, will it make the problem worse.
And beware?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 7:59 pm

I doubt you will do it any great harm. Some 'Minor Specialists' are anything but!

Post by **stephenpolhill** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 8:01 pm

Ok. Thanks. This one is very recommended in the area, but I will get a few other opinions as well so thanks for the warning

Post by **simmitc** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 8:14 pm

If your specialist is local to you, then I presume that he's also close to the Ship of the Fens, in which case he's highly regarded and recommended by a good many people.

Post by **stephenpolhill** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 8:16 pm

That sounds like the guy. Have you been to him before?