smoking engine

[microburst]

I have a 1984 mercruiser 470. When i crank it, it smokes like crazy and continues to do so at idle speed. The smoke is kinda white-greyish in color. Its been doing that for awhile now. I check the oil level everytime i hit the water, and its good. I dont think its using or burning oil. That would be a blueish color, correct??? It runs good and has power, but i seem to be losing coolant because i have to add everytime i hit the water. Could that be the problem?? Am i somehow burning coolant? I cant find any visible leaks and it doesnt run hot as long as I fill the reservoir up. Any suggestions?? Can someone help me stay afloat???

 

[flargin]

Re: smoking engine

bet is smells sweet... it is coolant.

you are likely loosing it through a head gasket leak. you need to fix it, you will ultimately overheat your motor and cause more problems. It is a simple problem now, more expensive later.

 

[180shabah]

Re: smoking engine

I cant find any visible leaks

...cause it is leaking internally, thus the smoke....
Time to break out the tool box. Start with compression testing.