Today is the second time I got a HUGE cloud of white smoke in 3rd gear at about 6300 rpm. By huge, I mean that I couldn't see the car behind me. Last time it happened was a weak ago. Also 3rd gear; near redline.

This means I'm most likely leaking coolant at the headgasket. However, water level has stayed normal for weeks now and I haven't seen any other traces of white smoke. Only in 3rd @ redline on those 2 occasions. Temperature has been normal at about 90 degrees celcius after a hard run. Only other known issue is a small vaccum leak at the brake booster, which has no affect on this.

Interesting, no? Any knowledgeable coments will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

My guess is coolant burning. There is a test available where you can check for exhaust gas coming out of your radiator filler neck. It involves green fluid and a a turkey baster of sorts.

 

Well, I'm not too concerned about exhaust gas coming out of my expansion tank. I'm aware that it's a coolant leak of sorts, but it is internal, and an odd situation.

Thanks anyways.

 

It's not that uncommon or odd for a head gasket to fail, especially during high boost.

 

Probably head gasket, as that's the closest the coolant comes to the internals...

I'm 99 percent sure my headgasket is toast, but i never got any white smoke. Of course i didn't hit redline for the last month or so.

 

not sure if you misunderstood what he said, exhaust gas coming from the expansion tank would be evidence of a blown headgasket...

 

I'm pretty sure it is the HG. Just curious if there are any other probable issues I have overlooked.

Btw, there must be something wrong with my turbo; I'm getting no boost.

I have an '86 N/a, by the way.

 

Does your coolant have any black spots floating around, or any brownish to your oil? I'm sure you probably checked that as well.

 

haha, my turbo is not working as well.

 

I've been meaning to turn on my turbo.. Most of the NA guys don't realize there is a switch under the dash that turns it on.. I always chuckle when someone pays 8 grand for a 951.

 

Milkshake wouldn't cause white smoke. A break in the HG (or even oil cooler seals) which would cause milkshake, wouldn't allow coolant to enter the combustion chambers. The break would have to be pretty damn big, and under those circumstances, I would be losing lots of coolant, not getting adequate compression, running pretty hot, and constantly smoking. The car runs perfectly aside from the 2 instanced @ redline; A bit disconcerting.

 

I was saying look for it to be headgasket because of milkshake... not the smoke. but smoke could come from headgasket, is what I was referring to. possibly fpr? someone chime in on this, i've heard of white smoke from either fuel damper or fpr.

 

I've done this a couple times, coming off the rev limiter and quickly closing the throttle. Best we can figure is that I've overfilling the sump a little too much. Still investigating however. No bad coolant fod or milkshake. May have some vacuum issues, but not suspecting head gasket yet...maybe next. Funny thing is that this NA event looks just like a 951 blowing a turbo seal...and both times this has happened folks come running up to see if the "turbo blew."

 

Hi Serge,

what engine oil are you using (brand, type,viscosity) ?

Regards
Doug

 

Castrol GTX 20-50. Doesn't burn very well