vp 1992 3.8 auto white smoke

[kiwicomm]

my 92 vp 3.8ltr engine has started to blow white smoke , not every time I use it but its becoming more frequent. sometimes it occasionally blows a smoke ring pretty weird, I think its water or coolant. #5 cylinder spark plug is the only one that looks suspect , wet or oily the others are all normal colour. oil is clear on dipstick coolant faintly oily. pulled rocker cover off but nothing obvious there how deep should I go reluctant to pull head off as i'm not sure of problem. any clues guys

[delcowizzid]

do you go through water a bit could just be the inlet manifold gasket on that side they go before much else but it wouldnt normally smoke on water.is it only on startup that it smokes and blows smoke rings could be a valve stem seal or guide

[eurekamad94]

do you go through water a bit could just be the inlet manifold gasket on that side they go before much else but it wouldnt normally smoke on water.is it only on startup that it smokes and blows smoke rings could be a valve stem seal or guide

as he said possible head gasket or leaking valve does it happen on start up or all the time ? is it smoke or steam ? what's it smell like ?

[kiwicomm]

usually happens on start up but not every time. Water needs top up now and then. #5 spark plugs contamination appeared greenish ie coolant. the smoke doesnt smell of fuel or oil more white steamish.the car starts instantly but runs slightly rough when white smoke present

[eurekamad94]

blown head gasket water is getting into the cylinder there should also be water in the exhaust

[kiwicomm]

thanks for the replies I guess its off with its head any other sure fire clues that would confirm the head gasket before I break out the tool box ,

[eurekamad94]

check in the exhaust for water look around the head's and there may be water leaking out or be stain's from where it's been leaking but it may also be on the inside of the block

[delcowizzid]

head gaskets are pretty sturdy youll probably find its just the inlet gasket leaking water from the water gallery to the inlet of that cylinder happens all the time.