White Smoke in Exhaust

[cruiser132]

Hey All,

I noticed some white smoke after starting the X yesterday morning. I've checked the oil level (about 1 qt low) and the coolant level (bob was just hitting the top of the plastic reservoir rim). After start-up, the white smoke dissipates, the X seems to run fine with no overheating noticed or check engine lights.

I opened the engine oil cover and noticed the tell-tale cheese residue. I added a quart of oil, topped off the coolant, and checked the dipstick (trace o' cheese was present there too). Since I work for a community college with an auto school, I swung by this afternoon and they did a compression test. The coolant system seems to be holding pressure, but they are obviously concerned about where the leak may be occurring. I've searched the E53 forum and read over some posts concerning head gasket leak, crack in the block, etc. Does anyone have some technical experience with the problem, outcomes, cost of repair? I've replaced an alternator, battery, and changed the oil, but fear the ole 'green machine' may need more help than I can provide. Thanks for reading and thinking... J

[jst2878]

if you have a coolant leak then you should look at the valleypangasket. only if your coolant system isnt holding pressure than this might be the problemo

[TwinsPoppa]

Well, if you got that cheese-wiz accumulation then you need to at least checkout your oil separator and associated hoses. Sign of too much condensation build-up.

[pickncrew]

^^^ what he said above... I just had to replace my oil separator and lines at 77k miles and almost 5-yrs in my '04 3.0i. A royal PITA I might add...