oil used in spider

[larrybarone]

I have this white smoke issue from the exhaust,could be head gasket,compression problem etc..
A mechanic friend said that the oil i used 15W40 Rotella high in lead content could be causing the problem.
Also,mentioned that i should put an additive in both the oil and the coolant system that might correct the problem.
Appreciate any feedback regarding both of these issues.

[So Cal Mark]

Rotella will not cause the problem. The oil doesn't have lead, that used to be a fuel additive. The Rotella oil has zinc which is needed to protect the cam lobes from wear. If you have oil smoke, oil is entering the combustion chamber either through worn valve guides or worn piston rings

[mgbgtn]

Oil smoke is blue, rich running is black, white is caused by condensation in the exhaust system on a cold morning and will last untill the motor warms up or by water being burnt in the motor usually caused by a blown head gasket or from the master brake cylinder leaking into the servoe and being sucked into the motor through the vaccum line.

[4uall]

+10 for Rotella

[larrybarone]

I'm assuming from the smoke desciption I have a head gasket issue.I want to get the car registered ,so it's needs to pass emission testing here in Ct. Does anyone out ther have any experience with an additive from Blue devil called pour and go.
I know it should be repalced and I will do it eventually,but I was wondering bif this addititive would correct the leaking head gasket?
Where can I get a step by step explanation of how to change the head gasket?

[So Cal Mark]

I'd verify a head gasket leak before adding stop leak to the cooling system

[RRoller123]

With that Rotella 15-40 do you still need to add the zinc?

[4uall]

In terms of ZDDP, I will say that Rotella T still rates a "not bad at all". I probably should have mentioned that. the Synthetic Rotellas would probably be better oils and have about as much ZDDP as the T does.

I think the additive package in a diesel oil is overkill for a gas engine, but I don't ever blow up anything, so I don't have any data.

[So Cal Mark]

the Rotella has adequate zinc. I'd only use an additive if breaking in a new cam

[RRoller123]

Thanks, I have been using Castrol and have been adding the zinc.

[larrybarone]

I'd verify a head gasket leak before adding stop leak to the cooling system

How do I verify a head gasket leak? Can you tell me the steps please,still a novice at this but making good progress at getting it close to being road ready.
Just for info,these are all the things I've done to date:
New plugs and wires
Changed the V belt
Replaced the fuel filter
Took out the gas tank that was leaking and had it relined and re installed
Oil and filter change,used Rotella T-SAE15W40
Got all lights working except one side of the marker plate light.
Replaced a rear light pc board that was corroded
Have the passenger seat belt assembly at seat belt planet being refurbished.135.00 plus 20.00 shipping and handling.
Replaced the floor insulation using Thermoshield product bought at Pep Boys.One side is the foil heat reflector and the other side actually is a good carpet padding.
Removed rust and Painted the interior floor and trunk compartments
Built the rear platform for the backseat.
Replaced radiator fan switch
Replaced battery

In process of cutting carpeting.Bought black indoor outdoor carpeting from home depot,actually quite nice.

Is there an easier way to upload pictures to the sight as I would like to show off the car that actually is in pretty good shape.
Bought it from the original owner who has all maintenance records and the original window sticker from 1984.( 18,044.00)

The forum has been an excellent source of information. I look forward to getting the "Pininfarina Spider Azzura" on the road soon.

[garion]

You would need to use something like this: http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Catal ... 0361139896

Its about $50 or so.

Its pretty simple to use:

1. Take off radiator cap
2. Remove some fluid
3. Run car a couple minutes.
4. Take a sample of air from the radiator, being careful to not suck in any antifreeze, you only want air.
5. Check the color of the test fluid.

This may help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHp5E7XnbXo

[2ndwind]

Sniff the exhaust. If it smells like antifreeze, you've got a blown head gasket, at minimum.