[TR] Mystery Smoke

[oliver]

probably not relevant but I'm posting anyway . . . .

a friend bought a car and decided to drive it home.  at some point it too 
developed a steam cloud.  found a mechanic who put it on a lift.  the spare 
gallon of water they put in the trunk was leaking down onto the exhaust . . 
.

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From: "Alex" <ambritts at bellsouth.net>
Sent: Sunday, November 13, 2011 8:00 PM
To: "*Triumphs List" <triumphs at autox.team.net>
Subject: [TR] Mystery Smoke

> After a 120 mile run trip drive today, my 59 TR3A developed a most 
> confusing
> issue.
>
> A club member following behind was engulfed in a cloud of smoke when 
> returning
> on this 60 mile run. This went on for about 20 miles where at times I 
> could
> not see his Mini.
>
> On the first leg of the trip, the car started running rough but would get 
> to
> speed easily. When parked (at a show) and opening the bonnet, I found the
> intake and carbs coated in water droplets. Completely coated. This has
> happened before but no ones has a clue as to the cause including the top 
> LBC
> mechanics in the area.
>
> On the way home is when the major smoking issued occurred. I needed to 
> keep
> the car at low RPM's to minimize the smoke screen. The smoke appeared to 
> be
> white as in a steam cloud. What one would expect from a blown head gasket.
> After the trip, I spoke with my club member who was behind me for 60 
> miles.
> Even engulfed in smoke, his car had no visible oil coating of any 
> kind....not
> on his car or windscreen. There was also no smell of smoke or smell of any
> kind.
>
> The oil in the sump is clear and clean. No visible water droplets or milky
> look. Water level in the radiator is about 1" from the cap. There is water 
> in
> the neck of the radiator. The engine breather pipe is dripping oil which 
> never
> occurred before. The valve cover cap also showing smoke exiting, which 
> never
> occurred before. Carbs and intake covered in water droplets. Once before I
> pulled the air cleaners and the inside of the carbs had the same water
> droplets. That time the car stalled from the water entering the engine. 
> These
> droplets are definitely from condensation. Oil level consumption in 120 
> miles
> of 60-70 mph driving about 1/8 of a quart of oil. Oil pressure strong at 
> about
> 55 lbs. Water temp below 180. Car ran rough at idle as one would expect 
> from a
> bad tank of gas.....water in the gas type of running.
>
> So before doing the usual tests next weekend...........any ideas or
> suggestions..
>
> Thanks in advance.