I need some advice or help here:
I was at a friend's today, and I went to check my brake fluid level (unrelated problem that seemed to happen at the same time), and I found white wispy smoke coming from the back of the engine. I opened up the cap for the crankcase and a lot more come out. I looked at the dipstick, it showed it needed some oil (but wasn't really that low), so I put some in. Anyhow, it's still smoking after each drive, so I'm parking it until I get answers from you guys and my local mechanic. Anyhting you guys can contribute will really help! Thanks!

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1984 Pontiac Firebird SC
2.8L V6
Camaro Z28 mag rims
Kenwood KDC-215 CD receiver
"Oh I've seen better days
The pain of these memories I cannot drive away" - Econoline Crush "Nowhere Now"

 

Did it smell like oil???? It mihgt be your brake fluid leaking out when you turn because i remebr in one of my car magizines a guy had something simlar to what you were explaing and it was his mastercylander for his brakes was leaking.

 

Actually, brake fluid levels seem to be good. A lot of people I've been talking to say it's the coolant getting into the crankcase by one means or another...not good

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1984 Pontiac Firebird SC
2.8L V6
Camaro Z28 mag rims
Kenwood KDC-215 CD receiver
"Oh I've seen better days
The pain of these memories I cannot drive away" - Econoline Crush "Nowhere Now"

 

if its oil, its normal for a older engine, its just crankcase vapors.. whens the last time you replaced your PCV and breather element?

 

But doesn't oil burn blue? That and I've never really seen it smoke like that before. I don't know when I've had the PCV and other things looked at last though. It's just odd that it would start all of a sudden though.

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1984 Pontiac Firebird SC
2.8L V6
Camaro Z28 mag rims
Kenwood KDC-215 CD receiver
"Oh I've seen better days
The pain of these memories I cannot drive away" - Econoline Crush "Nowhere Now"

 

I'd say go with scoob8000,change the PCV.And if it has been awhile change the oil and filter also.I know oil will sometimes smoke like that if it is old.
If the coolent is getting into the oil pan it will show on the dipstick(not Enos ).It will look like small beads of water.It will show on the inside of the oil filler cap also.If enough has entered the oil pan that is.
Your coolent level hasn't dropped any has it?

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[This message has been edited by Kevin S (edited October 16, 2000).]

 

Here's a wild thought.. could the engine be running really hot, but not enough to flip the "overheat" warning light? It'd be hard to tell if your dashboard doesn't have a temp gauge. Anyone know when that dash warning light comes on? Is it 260?

Regardless tho, the 84's thermostatic clutch fan will always spin.. maybe the thermostat under the water inlet isn't opening all the way?


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards

 

First of all: Thanks for all the input so far, all these ideas help me a lot!
Stupid me for putting oil in then. It looked a little low so I topped it up when the problem was first noticed, but I haven't seen the droplets and that since then either. I'll look into getting these other repairs done to it too.
I haven't really lost any coolant, it's been staying at the right level, though it kinda needs topping up - though it's not crazy low either, but that's been before now too. It's hard with no temp gauge in the car. I have yet to take it to a mechanic, but I'm not driving it either for now. I hope to get it checked out real soon though.

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1984 Pontiac Firebird SC
2.8L V6
Camaro Z28 mag rims
Kenwood KDC-215 CD receiver
"Oh I've seen better days
The pain of these memories I cannot drive away" - Econoline Crush "Nowhere Now"

 

If you want an aftermarket temp gauge, they're not that hard to install. Summit has a few (Autometer, Autogage, VDO, etc), they usually run $25-30 for a temp gauge. The hardest part is getting the wires from the engine bay, thru the firewall, and into the passenger area. Hey when your mechanic looks at it, let us know what it is!


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards

 

Well, my Dad cam back from hunting and I couldn't reproduce the smoke. I had it running for 15 mins. and drove it around the block and stuff. He said to keep an eye on the fluids and wait and see after tomorrow, then action can be taken if needed....who knows, maybe it was nothing

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1984 Pontiac Firebird SC
2.8L V6
Camaro Z28 mag rims
Kenwood KDC-215 CD receiver
"Oh I've seen better days
The pain of these memories I cannot drive away" - Econoline Crush "Nowhere Now"