Help! Still blowing lots of white smoke.

[danalyse]

Bought a E30 several weeks ago with problems. First it did not want to run but now it is running well. Began to blow lots of white smelly smoke only after 10 or so minutes of running. The consensus was head gasket. I did a gasket job, had the valves ground, replaced water pump, timing belt, and the exhaust guides. Car started right up and runs well but the smoke is back and perhaps never went away. Did a compression test before the valvee job and had good compression. I need ideas.

[themitchster359]

you torque down the head bolts to spec, used new ones??

[danalyse]

Still blowing smoke.

Yes and Yes.

[romeomike]

When you had the valves ground, did anyone check the head for leaks/cracks?

[danalyse]

Had the head work done by an established shop and I assume they did that.

[bmwpower]

Had the head work done by an established shop and I assume they did that.

Never assume. Do a pressure test on the coolant system. Check oil for coolant. When its blowing smoke grab coolant hoses. Are they hard?

[danalyse]

I wish I did see coolant in the oil or oil in the coolant but I do not.

[danalyse]

Could it be a an excessive rich mixture as a result of ecu or sensor issues?

[bmwpower]

Could it be a an excessive rich mixture as a result of ecu or sensor issues?

Could be...maybe. Check that the right sensors are in the right place.

[danalyse]

Which ones.

[bmwpower]

Which ones.

The coolant temp sensor in particular. If it's disconnected or on the wrong harness, it will cause it to run rich.

[danalyse]

There two sensors right next to each other in the thermostat housing. The prior owner had been screwing around with the injectors and perhaps he switched them.