Morris Minor Owners Club

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

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!

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

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?

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 ?

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.

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?

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!

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?

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.

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

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?

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

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

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.

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