Expert: Josh Fields - 12/8/2005

Question
It's cold New York, 97 E36 did not turn over this
morning. Sounds locked up did all normals batt. cool. ect...
came back hour later started. Car chuged at idel,
drove around block ok up hill looked out back window white blue smoke lots. Came home car runs
fine at stop. checked oil may be over a qt. but
hear a little tapping top of engine. Could plugs
be bad our timing chain guide I dont know help!
thank you trace     merry cristmas

Answer
Trace,
 Well the Blue smoke is definately oil, the "white" is just humidity/water.  If you are a quart over, you need to syphon/drain it again.  Just get a clean milk jug or other container, drain some oil out (preferably MORE than a quart) then check the oil.  If it's low, add what ever it needs from the oil you drained.
 The starting issue could be a bad battery, as they dont work as well when they are cold.  The "tapping" is probably from the oil in the system, but could be valve adjustment.

 The only thing I would really be worried about is the starting problem (if it continues).  I cannot diagnose the problem without being there, as there are to many possibilities.
 Hope this helps,
 Josh