Head Gasket or ???

[fd59]

1990, 3.slow, 5spd, 292,000mi

I believe I have the Head gasket problem. All of a sudden my engine started smoking. However, I don't know for sure if it is a head gasket problem or not. The smoke looks like oil smoke not white smoke. The engine smokes heavily when idling and de-celerating (SP?). But, while I am accelerating or running at speeds that put any load on the engine the smoke quits.

Thinking it might be a broke ring, head gasket, or some kind of broke oil bypass relief valve.

Any suggestions for diagnosis of problem would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Mack

 

[fourwd1]

You're correct that coolant would be white smoke.
Oil is typically bluish.

Check your dipstick - is it oil or a light brown "milkshake"?
Milkshake = coolant in oil.
Pull the rad cap and check the coolant too.

Pull the plugs, see if any are fouled by oil. If one is you'll know which cylinder is the problem if a ring or something is broken.

 

[fd59]

You're correct that coolant would be white smoke.
Oil is typically bluish.

Check your dipstick - is it oil or a light brown "milkshake"?
Milkshake = coolant in oil.
Pull the rad cap and check the coolant too.

Pull the plugs, see if any are fouled by oil. If one is you'll know which cylinder is the problem if a ring or something is broken.

The Oil and coolant look OK.
I will do a compresssion test to locate the trouble cylinder.

BTW - Power seems to be the same (normal) as it was before the smoking started.