Bmw E30 318is.... Alot of White smoke???

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aaron_bmw321
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 38
Joined: Mon Oct 29, 2012 11:00 pm

Thu Jan 03, 2013 1:57 pm

Hi people, Bet of a sticky issue.... started up my 318is m42 and noticed a lot of white smoke? i let it idleto see if it was just water vapour within the exhust... apperently not :s. It had lost coolant, but no sign of white spotting in the oil and it doesnt iver heat. i decided to do a quick compression test on the cyclinders to check for leaks but had good readings from all 4 cyclinders. did notice on removal of the spark plugs that they where white on the tips of the electrode.

Has anyone got any ideas for my next step? also when driving does seem to hesitate on accerleration sometimes, thought id mention it because not sure if they are linked?

thanks again guys
Andyboy
Alpina Colada
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Joined: Mon Sep 11, 2006 11:00 pm

Thu Jan 03, 2013 5:16 pm

Could be the usual head crack - it's usually cylinder 2 or 3 from the exhaust valve to the waterway. This allows coolant to seep into the cylinder with the engine off, and that's the white smoke (steam and burnt glycol). Next step is most likely taking the head off.
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aaron_bmw321
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Joined: Mon Oct 29, 2012 11:00 pm

Thu Jan 03, 2013 6:19 pm

Thanks very much mate... looks like its guna be a long night

Thanks again
Andyboy
Alpina Colada
Posts: 12573
Joined: Mon Sep 11, 2006 11:00 pm

Thu Jan 03, 2013 6:51 pm

Does it start on 3 or 4 cylinders?
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aaron_bmw321
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Posts: 38
Joined: Mon Oct 29, 2012 11:00 pm

Fri Jan 04, 2013 10:39 am

it starts on all four... and they all have equal compression...? is it worth trying a compression test when the engine is cold?
thanks
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