Smoke, Smoke and more Smoke but not coming out of exhaust

[cabmandone]

Okay, so I got my 3.2 running, took it for a shake down cruise, pulled it back in my shop and the smoke was rolling off this thing and I don't mean just a little, it filled my 30x50 shop. I started the car up again today and let it warm up after doing some component checks and poof! smoke is rolling again. I got under the car and looked around but didn't see any visible oil leaks. There was smoke coming off the heat exchangers and at the time, I had the tube that ties the exchangers together off and smoke was coming from inside the exchangers. Smoke also appeared to be coming from the alternator fan housing but it wasn't electrical smoke. After installing the engine and getting it running, I found a leaking oil return tube and replaced it. That is the only visible leak I've found. There are no oil spots on the floor whatsoever. I'm a little baffled but not discouraged.

Some history:
I have no idea how many miles are on this engine. I was told when I bought the donor car that the engine has sat for about 6 years. I was told by a few Pelicans to expect smoke but I expected smoke from the tailpipe not everywhere else.

Should I strap in a fire extinguisher and take her for a run?

[CCM911]

Did you overfill it with Oil?

[CCM911]

If not that, could mice have placed dog food(or the equivalent) in your heat-exchangers?

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by CCM911

Did you overfill it with Oil?

9 quarts from completely empty. I believe the proper amount is 10??

[yelcab1]

Did the engine sit around for a long time ??

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by yelcab1

Did the engine sit around for a long time ??

Something like 6 years. Is there a thermostat or some oil fitting on the top side of the engine under the shroud? I'm getting a fair amount of smoke coming from the fan area. I'm not sure if it is working its way up through the heads and out or if it is actually coming from that area.

[Porchcar guy]

Took about 20 minutes for my 72 to clean itself out after almost a year at the paint shop...don't ask :=)............Drive it at night for about a 1/2 hour and hopefully this will all clear out.

[yelcab1]

Originally Posted by cabmando

Something like 6 years. Is there a thermostat or some oil fitting on the top side of the engine under the shroud? I'm getting a fair amount of smoke coming from the fan area. I'm not sure if it is working its way up through the heads and out or if it is actually coming from that area.

It is likely the oil residue from years of drip, collecting around the heads and cylinder fins, and now just burning off. But, the car will need to be driven hard for an hour before this stuff clears up.

[docrodg]

Late night mosquito killing drive.... it is a public service!

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by yelcab1

But, the car will need to be driven hard for an hour before this stuff clears up.

Hey, once I've got this thing licensed you won't have to tell me that one twice!

[wildcat077]

Look around your crank breather hose on the engine,is it connected ???
Many oil leak culprits in that general area !

Cheers
Phil

[makotosun]

This is pretty basic, but is you fan belt OK?

Mine broke (old) the other day and the symptoms sound exactly like yours. Mine had some oil residue that started to smoke as the motor warmed. Kind of a white smokey stuff. Disappeared with a new belt.

No real oil leaks needed

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by makotosun

This is pretty basic, but is you fan belt OK?

Mine broke (old) the other day and the symptoms sound exactly like yours. Mine had some oil residue that started to smoke as the motor warmed. Kind of a white smokey stuff. Disappeared with a new belt.

No real oil leaks needed

Fan belt is new. Smells like oil, but I appreciate the input.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by wildcat077

Look around your crank breather hose on the engine,is it connected ???
Many oil leak culprits in that general area !

Cheers
Phil

I'm looking around for any source of a leak. At the risk of sounding like a newb (which btw I am completely) where's the tube located and where are the connection points.

Also, I've been busy sorting out my car. Once I get some time, I'll get you those pictures of the hood I told you I'd get.

Okay, just did a search and I think I found the location. I'm fairly certain I connected that hose but I'll go back and look. Could be a cracked hose??

[wildcat077]

Nick,

My hose was cracked at the clamp where it connects to the engine,i got black flagged at an event last year because i was leaving a James Bond style smoke cloud around the track ...
Turns out you couldn't see it because it was on the side facing the firewall and it was only leaking under load (full throttle),i managed to figure it out and cut two inches and reconnected it.

No problem for the hood,there's no rush ...

Cheers
Phil

[kidrock]

Cabmando,

Here's a picture of the oil crankcase breather (has a white rag stuffed into the breather), along with a couple of other common demon leak spots (otherwise known as the "Triangle of Death").

Otherwise, drive it like you stole it, and the smoke will probably dissipate in a short while.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by kidrock

Cabmando,

Here's a picture of the oil crankcase breather (has a white rag stuffed into the breather), along with a couple of other common demon leak spots (otherwise known as the "Triangle of Death").

Otherwise, drive it like you stole it, and the smoke will probably dissipate in a short while.

Checked both those spots with an inspection mirror and everything looked dry. I'm going to wait to get my plates and take it for a little cruise (with the top down naturally) and see if I can get the thing to dry up. If not, I'll keep looking.

Thanks for the help everyone and I'll post if I find anything other than residual oil being the problem.

[cabmandone]

Well, looks like just driving it worked! I started it, let it warm up, checked the oil and then let it run for about 15 minutes and it didn't smoke a bit when I shut it off.

MAN! it's hard to not worry when they smoke like that but I should have listened to the wise Pelican that told me not to worry originally.

[kidrock]

at this point, I'd take her out regularly for a couple of days, rack up about 100 miles or so, then take her out for a nice hot spin and give her an "Italian Tune Up". Get those RPM's up and really burn off the extra carbon and crud.