White smoke from oil filler and dipstick tube

Hi all

I currently have a '93 Disco 200TDi that has sat for 8 years after the previous elderly owner died. Bought it as a project because the underside is very good.

However, the engine seems sick.
It runs and drives. Starts instantly and idles well, sounds good and smooth when revving. However, it puffs like Thomas the Tank out of the oil filler cap when removed and the dipstick tube.
It is white smoke.
Nothing noticeable/ out of the ordinary from the exhaust.
Mileage is a genuine 71k.

I fear broken piston rings or a cracked piston! Anything else to try? Breather is clear.

Stood for 8 years??? Might be burning off some moisture or piston rigns might be gummed in or bores glazed

Daz

Yup, 8 long years, totally untouched

Any way to unstick rings without taken the noggin off Daz?

worth checking all valves are opening fully

I'd do an oil and filter change - first
Try an engine flush in with the old oil before you drain it to change it

Daz

Thanks both, I have a full compliment of filters and fluids to go into it.. just curious to know if I was wasting my time with a no-hoper :5bbeatdeadhorse5:
I will check the valve clearances tomorrow- Along with the smoke I can hear a rhythmic breathing sound from the oil filler.. sounds very like a leaking cylinder.. but idle is good/ smooth

The engine flush might do the trick mate - follow the instructions on the tin.
Make sure the engine is cold (preferably over night) before doing the clearances to 0.20mm

Daz

Didn't get much time on it today but removed the rocker cover and had a shufty. Everything working/ moving as it should but have found out that compression from no.4 (I think) is disappearing through the top of the head whenever the piston is on an upward stroke. It's so bad that slowly turning the engine by hand produces a loud hissssssss from this area :lol:

I think it's coming from the hole where the pushrod sits.

Head removal tomorrow and I'll be able to see if the gasket is breached.

Probably passing the valve mate by the sounds of it

Daz

From what I've read Daz, the pushrod hole/ cylinder failure is quite common so I'm hoping it's that!! Will inspect and lap all the valves when the head is off though

Don't forget the pics mate!!!!

Daz

Head off today and luckily it is just a failed head gasket.

Gone between cyl 4 and the pushrod tube. This causes a quite dramatic effect and does make you think your engine is f'ked :lol:



Gasket is an original Land Rover/ Elring item; may be the original and has lasted 71k/ nearly 20 years..

View of the mess-



I have a new head set and a genuine gasket to go on when everything is shiny again. No work tomorrow as I have MoT jobs to do on the gf's Ford Ka.. :ballchain:

a head gasket does well to last 10 years so not bad if original

Yes I think you're right mate. Car was an 'old boy special' (complete with bent bumpers to prove) so engine has probably had an easy-ish life.