Loud engine and much white smoke

[Jack J Cochran]

The atomic 4 engine in my O'day has begun to run real loud and it blows out heavy white exhaust. The oil pressure and temperature is normal as I have cranked it several times and even taken it on a run. Is this just a muffler problem or is it major engine damage?

[Don Moyer]

Jack,

It would be important to check the condition of your plugs. If they are staying relatively clean, something could well have broken down inside your water lift muffler and be the cause of the noise.

On the other hand, if any of the plugs have become dark and oily, you'll have to consider something more serious happening to your engine. At that time, a compression check would be useful in determining if something happened to one of the pistons.

Don