Posted by Kevin on April 09, 2001 at 21:04:43:
In Reply to: Don't bury it yet posted by Don Daynes on April 09, 2001 at 20:10:35:
1979 528i about 140K miles. no knowledge of any valve jobs in the last 2 years that I've had it. No funny smells. The cracked description (crack heats up, expands, and closes) seems to make sense. Here's why:
Lots of white smoke at start, not really smelly, just a HUGE cloud that seems to form right away. goes away after about 2-3 minutes. The engine warms normally (per the temp guage), but continues to go up. up, up, right into the Red for about 45 seconds to a minute. This is when I usually, by instinct, crank up the heat to full bore. Funny thing is, the blower blows cold (room temp) air for a few, then randomly, the engine (again per the temp guage) immediately starts to cool, and the heater scorches the passengers. All is fine for a while, then the cycle seems to begin again.
My first thought was a sticky/stuck thermostat, which would explain the cold air from the heater (I think), but not the exhaust cloud. the high temp had been happening before replacing the muffler, but the cloud had not.
Please keep the theories coming. I love this car, but if I have to replace the Head (which I understand is QUITE pricey, I may just have to cut my losses and lease a (gasp) VW.
Kevin