head gasket maybe?

[muppet]

hi guys well ive just been told it might be the head gasket but i dont think it is.......

its a 1991 16v

im getting white smoke out the zaust all the time even when its warm outside! but i think it might be fuel and air mixture that needs sorting because it does smell a bit rich

i was told it could be head gasket just based on the smoke but i have no mayo in under the oil cap and i dont think im loosing water but the car has not actually been on the road properly for about 6 7 months now and all im going on is the smoke coming out!

because its just been sitting there i cant really tell if it is loosing water or not? can this just be done by running the car standing and check or will it have to be driven to be done?

i did service just before i took it out last time ( oil, filter, air filter, plugs) and i put on a new dizzy cap n rotor arm bout a month ago because i thought they needed changing!

any help much appreciated as always guys ! thanks

[Conker]

Theres loads of info on head gasket failure on here - have a search.

Here was a recent similar post:  http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=111662.msg973424#msg973424

[nealey]

I havent read the linked thread but water is a biproduct of combustion, if you are not using the car a lot and tend to just start it and not drive anywhere you can get a build up of water in the exhaust system, i would take it for a good run and recheck to see if it smokes still.

If it does then next stage would be to do a block test

[Ben Lessani]

Do a compression test then come back with the results - anything short of that is a waste of time.

If its been sat for ages, do a full service then see how it runs.

[muppet]

thanks guys
being a newbie who can i go to for the compression test? MOT centres or other places?

right now the only thing im going on is smoke out of the exhaust, temp rises normally but i will need to check the coolant level!

thanks guys

[Ben Lessani]

A gunson compression tester is about 20 notes from Halfrauds, less from a wholesaler. A worthwhile investment, I use mine ALL the time.

[muppet]

cheers ben but i aint got a clue lol i think ill take it to a mate who would be more knowledgable with that! thanks guys

as soon as i find out the results ill be back on here asap

[Ben Lessani]

If you can fit a spark plug - you can compression test. Its not remotely difficult.

[muppet]

if its that easy i may do it myself! thanks Ben 

[Ant]

Definitely give it a go. I learn each and every time I try something new, with the support and advice of the folks on this forum.