Engine: Josephine... putting out white smoke. Not much, but enough — replace head gasket?

[Josephine]

Our 1941 Studebaker M5 otherwise known as Josephine in our home — with each new thing fixed, runs better and better...

But we still have annoyingly (at times) white smoke coming from the tailpipe, engine breather tube and a little from the base of the oil dipstick. Coincidentally, there's also enough moisture coming from the tailpipe to indicate me it must be the head gasket (with coolant leaking into the oil chamber(s)) as after close inspection ruling out a crack in the engine block.

When we pop off the head, I'll be able to see what's going on with the pistons and valves...

Thoughts?

[r1lark]

Have you tried retorquing the head?

[Josephine]

Not yet—will do this first.. it would sure would be great if that was the issue, but knowing the mercurial tendencies (thus far) of Josephine — I'm not holding my breath..! Will report back...

[Commander Eddie]

Be sure to check the valve guide seals.

[Josephine]

Will do..!

[Josephine]

Will do..!

[Josephine]

Will do Ed..!

[M-Webb]

What does it smell like? Next thing I’d do is check to see if there is any evidence of coolant in your oil.

Have power brakes? Smoke smells a bit acrid? Check your brake fluid and make sure it isn’t unexpectedly low. Ask me how I found out about that one.

[Hallabutt]

1941 should not have power brakes, but I know what you are saying about vacuum sucking in brake fluid into combustion chamber.

[Josephine]

Not acrid... Brake fluid is good, but have to ask — how did you find out about that one?!

[StudeRich]

If it is not using coolant, it is not the head gasket.
A Lot of condensation from storage in damp and changing weather, and not driving with Temp. fully up to normal to burn it off ?

On the other hand, if your suspicions are correct about the Head Gasket, an easier method would be to drain the Oil, and see if you get any water or Gray Oil/Water mix.
You ARE going to have to do this eventually anyway.

[Josephine]

Yup — if torquing head doesn't resolve the issue, my next move will be draining the oil..!

[Jeffry Cassel]

Do you need to add water to the radiator often? I would not use anything but water in CA. When you crank it, can you see bubbles in the radiator? Water in the oil will give it milky appearance. It will also separate out and go to the bottom of the pan so that when you change oil, the initial bit of fluid that drains out will be water. Moisture condenses in the exhaust system--hence water spewing out on start up. The combustion products of hydrocarbons (gas) are carbon dioxide and water.

[StudeRich]

Have you forgotten that 50% Antifreeze and distilled water prevents or lessens rusting in the cast Iron engine Block ? Who cares if it runs 5 degrees cooler than Antifreeze ?

[Josephine]

The radiator has not needed refills, but we're not raod driving the vehicle yet —aside spins around the local streets here...

[altair]

Remove the spark plugs and see if one is white and clean, this is an indicator of coolant in the cylinder.

[Josephine]

Will do..!

[jackb]

"The radiator has not needed refills, but we're not raod driving the vehicle yet —aside spins around the local streets here..."
I'd say the engine is not hot enough or as much needed to burn off the water in the systems.

[Jeffry Cassel]

My 64 Hawk smoked a tad but only from the right bank. So I worried a little bit for about 3 years (!) and of course, it quit. Sometimes the best thing to do is just drive it. (The rings just hadn't seated yet)