If white exhaust smoke, leakdown test first ?
 

My '82 380SL, WDB 107 045 12 01 5278, emits a small plume of white exhaust smoke if the accelerator is floored on takeoff.

What is regarded as the best practice in resolving this matter ?

In this case I fear starting with the simplest cheapest first and have basically parked the car 'til this is resolved.

Please direct me to a sequence that has the priority of doing in a sequence beginning with that which will most harm the vehicle.

By the way, I've never done a leakdown test and guidance in this cannot be too detailed http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...cons/icon7.gif

Thanks once more,

Courtney

White smoke is typically a sign that the AFT is being sucked out of the trans and burned by the engine. Check the vacuum line from the trans to the intake manifold at intake runner 6. Look for red fluid and if you see any, replace the vacuum modulator.

If it's not that, it would be water vapor and it's time for a coolant pressure test, a compression test and then a leakdown test.

Is there oil in the coolant or is the coolant level dropping?

Reply to WBain
 

Warren,

Thanks for your reassuring reply. Now I know how to proceed http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...cons/icon7.gif

Next, pardon my ignorance but, why the testing sequence in the order.....
coolant pressure, compression test and then, leak down ?

What is an adequate test for oil in the coolant, just examining the expansion tank fluid, opening the radiator cap for a peek, draining some radiator fluid or what ?

Finally, I am not certain because I wasn't looking for anomalies..... but seems like I did add a little coolant to the expansion tank this summer but that could have been another vehicle. But now that I am concerned..... I'll watch it and if I notice any 'usage', I'll report it.

Appreciatively,

Courtney

You want to make sure there aren't any coolant leaks, as in head gasket problems. You can do the compression test first, just my train of thought.

Trans oil in the coolant would be reddish, oil in the coolant would be tan and foamy.