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Question
bought a 1954 caddy was stored for 16yrs and never run. Got it running, after about 20 minutes running it started to sound great,when first started there was white smoke from from both exhausts after about 20 minutes running right side exhaust was normal no smoking, but left side was still smoking white and would get worst where you accelerated. Ran car for another 15- 20 minutes with no change. Is it the left side head gasket or something else? Thank You Peter
Are you loosing coolant? White smoke is usually an indication that coolant is getting into the combustion process. It is time for a radiator pressure test and a look at the spark plugs. It is possible that it is oil smoke but the spark plug check will tell you what is happening in the combustion chambers of each cylinder.
Brad
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Answers by Expert:
Brad Sears
Expertise
All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.
Experience
Automotive tech instructor.
Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's.
Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's
TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated.
Auto instructor for the following companies:
Fram
Autolyte
Holly
Carter
AMF
Ford Motor
University Of Conn
Blue Hills Technical School
Sugar River Technical Center
Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.
Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.
Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember.
Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.
Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.
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