[TDRZA]

hey guys just wondering if anyone can help me out!!

my sierra has been sitting unregistered since december last yr and ive recently fixed up some rust on it and re regoed it, but i think the head gasket may be stuffed..
i was starting it every week or so to keep the battery charged and letting it run anywhere from 5-20mins
there's no obvious milkiness on the dipstick or in the oil, there is abit under the filler cap, no bubbles in coolant or major loss of coolant that i can tell.
the exhaust is blowing white smoke and smells abit funky but gets alot less when warm. i was thinking maybe a shitload of moisture is caught up in the exhaust? as i haven't taken it for a decent drive yet, and its got a few big holes in the muffler.
ive pulled 1 spark plug lead off at a time whilst running to check for compression difference but there's no major differences between cylinders

ive changed the oil and oil filter but still get milkiness under the cap.

any thoughts on how i can be sure either way??

cheers

[Gwagensteve]

Take it for a good drive and get it properly hot. There's going to be heaps of condensation in the exhaust and block and idling it won't get it hot enough to dry it all out.

Steve.

[DarkHorse]

Yup - small amount of milkiness on the filler cap could just be a bit of condensation. If you're really worried drop the oil and fill with some cheap slightly thinner stuff. Go for a good drive then drop it again so you've flushed any crud out.

From what you've described it doesn't sound like you've got big problems, just a car that's been sitting for a while.

[JrZook]

Gwagensteve wrote:

Take it for a good drive and get it properly hot. There's going to be heaps of condensation in the exhaust and block and idling it won't get it hot enough to dry it all out.

Steve.

X2! That short run time causes more harm than good in most cases. You will get significant moisture/condensation within the engine.

[shandy92]

mate doesnt sound like a head gasket at all. like the others have said, go for a good drive and then come back and have a look at the oil cap and it will be gone! almost guarantee it.....as long as you dont cook it on the drive ahaha

[TDRZA]

cheers guys, took it for a drive to work and back today and its all good.. time to buy some tires!!!