Blue smoke and antifreeze smell

[supersteve]

When you pull the plugs try to keep them in order. Good idea to take some pics and post them.

[supersteve]

Originally Posted by supersteve

As far as the antifreeze, if you don't see any white or greenish white stuff caked on the items I mention before, pull the engine cover off. Look down through the intake manifold onto the top of the engine block with a flash light. You should see a silver colored pan under the manifold. If you see green you have found you antifreeze leak. That would be the valley pan.

Never mind what I said here. I was thinking of the 4.4. ltr.

How do the plugs look?

[BMWguy]

Steve is seems you were right on. I have pics but I can't seem to get them attached. I'm gonna try via my email.

Thanks

[supersteve]

[email protected]

[BMWguy]

Steve were you able to look at the pics? My machanic is not looking forward to doing the job in his drive way. I agree I may have to do to a dealership. At lease I'll get somekind of warrenty. Any idea of the cost?

[supersteve]

Yes I did. Number two plug looks awfully clean. If you look at the base ring where the threads end and the ground electrodes are welded on it is very clean. The other 5 look pretty normal with carbon build up.

I agree with your mechanic, not a driveway type job. Especially this time of year.

If your still under warrenty this should be completely covered. A Head gasket is not a wear item and it most deffinently won't pass emisions.

If the job is done properly, it won't be cheap. The head should be rebuilt or at least checked and corrected for warpage. Straight 6's are know for head warping (which can cause the head gasket to fail). If you just replace the head gasket with a warped head your just putting a band-aid on the real problem. It will fail again.

If your going to wait any length on time before you have it repaired, I suggest you spray the cylinders with lube (at least WD40). Not too much just enough to coat the cylinder walls. Antifreeze on unpainted metal causes rust (very bad for internal engine parts).

[BMWguy]

Steve thanks, I must admit I'm not sure on my next move. The truck is parked but I'm not sure that's good. I'm pretty sure my machanic and I are in over our heads (no way to check and rebuild the head). the location I purchase the truck from has a guy (Porche, BMW experience) He wants to do a chemical test to make sure it's the head gasket. Do you know anything about that test? But that's a start, not just looking to ripe the head off. No warranty, 135K I'm on my own.

The truck is in great shape, looking for good repair job.

[supersteve]

I'm not sure about a chemical test. It could be a sniffer test of your oil to see if it has mixed with antifreeze.

If I was in your position, I think I would look for a reputable shop that is known for quality work. I would talk with that shop to get an idea of what it will cost to do the job right. Then go to the dealer and ask them also. Although, it may cost you a lot now, it will be something that you should never have to worry about again.

[BMWguy]

Again Steve you are on target again. Just got off the phone with a dealership a little north of me. While I was expecting alot I wasn't thinking over 5K and that's if the head is good. Another 2K if the head needs to be replaced.

I found a good shop just south of me that does high end cars. BMW, Mercedes etc. I'm dropping it off tonight, chemical test tomorrow.

I'll let ya know. Better tell the group "Don't blow a head gasket"

Thanks again

[supersteve]

$5000-$7000, WOW. That's more than I thought.

The number rattling in around my head was $2000-$3000 for labor, $800-$1200 for parts if the head needed to be rebuilt. I guess you have to add a premium for it being a dealer.

Let's see what the other shop says.

Another thing to consider, do either give a warrantee.