our 280SL made a 'funny noise from the engine' and then my wife
noticed 'lots of white smoke' out the back of the car. groan.
Luckily she has learned from the first 'smoke' incident that 'smoke
is bad' and she pulled over quickly.

she indicates that the smoke was white to greenish white, no oil
color or smell to it. the radiator reservoir is empty, but no sign
of oil in there either. there is no water on the dipstick, nor any
signs of leaks around the engine block.

I am thinking that the issue is likely a head gasket, but am
wondering about my troubleshooting procedures.

My plan is to pull the plugs and examine, then compression test - by
hand cranking - each cylinder to see if there are any noticeable
issues. then what? is the head gasket on the 110 engine a big deal,
little deal, or something left to Dr. Mercedes at the classic car
hospital?

is there anything else that I should be looking for? I'm trying to
think of happy thoughts and little things it might be, but cannot
think of any other way that water gets out the tail pipe that does
not sound serious!!

thanks

tom

__________________
1980 280 GE
1969 280 SL