As promised: It was the turbo. Took three times to find a working replacement (advise to get new rather than wasting time) Thanks to all who contributed. Next rounds on me!

Leap of faith! Will change turbo and fingers crossed, touch wood, salt over shoulder, pray that is all. Will update once sorted

Left it with him and he got back o me several hour later. Yes, he took it off.

Ok, update: Took the landy to mechanic who had a look and gave me the following diagnostic: Turbo gone and leaking oil into exhaust causing 80% of the smoke and the other 20% is from the head gasket. Therefore he wants to change the turbo and do the head gasket. Does this sound right? I...

Choked half my street! Will have to do something about it. Will probably change timing whilst i am at it.

Me, will sit with a Strongbow and tell the misses what to do! Well at least the decent football was yesterday

Dartmoor - YES! Head gasket then?

no just checked - very dark small leak but that has always been

I am just trying to eliminate unneccassery (that how you spell it?) expenses

OK. Morning..... Started the car first thing this morning with bonnet open. I had the oil cap off and gave the car a rev. The white smoke is coming out of the top too (not as much as exhaust) and this is whilst the car is stone cold. Any thoughts?

Dunno. Will look in morning and let you know.

Not been wading. Had brakes done recently and then the smoke started. Coincidence?

Had the brakes done just before this began. Based on your theory, could this be the cause? Not been wading

To be certain that it is not head/pistons etc

Is it worth doing a compression test?