Smoke. Rocker or valve problem?

[swingline]

I have been having a horrible ticking noise coming from the driver's side for months now. It sounds like a really, really bad exhaust leak but I use Stage 8 locking header bolts and I rechecked all the bolts on the H-pipe. This morning I started it up and as I was walking out to it, I saw smoke coming from the driver's tailpipe. It wasn't black but more blue-white. It wasn't very thick but it came out in a steady stream. So what is the problem? I can't tear it apart for a few weeks when I can use my friend's garage but I need to know what to look for. I am leaning towards a bent valve or screwy rocker. Thanks.

 

[AznStanger3v]

hmm, have you checked the color of your oil? could be a blown head gasket

 

[swingline]

Not yet. I will pull a plug and check the oil but I can't get serious until by buddy gets back in town.

 

[Rootus]

No way a rocker would cause an oil leak into the combustion chamber. Head gasket, valve seal, valve guide, valve, or rings. Assuming that's oil smoke you're seeing, that is. Does the smoke ever go away?

 

[swingline]

I didn't notice the smoke go away. I need to have someone follow me and see from behind. What would cause a blown head gasket in a non-boosted application?

 

[Joes95GT]

I didn't notice the smoke go away. I need to have someone follow me and see from behind. What would cause a blown head gasket in a non-boosted application?

I don't think anyone could answer that specifically. I don't think you blew a headgasket because you haven't said the car runs like trash. You'd know it if you did a good job blowing a HG.

Dave's on the right path. Listen to him.

Joe

 

[swingline]

I started it up before I went to school and there wasn't any smoke. It looks like it only smokes when the engine is cold. I over-revved it a few times so I am leaning towards a valve. The car only has 45k miles on it so I doubt it is a ring. The car runs as strong as ever so it isn't a head gasket. Like Joe said, I could tell if it were blown.

 

[Joes95GT]

I'm guessing it's the seal(s). They'll contract when cold, which allows the oil to pass. Once temperature stabilizes, they'll expand and close up all possible passages.

Joe