It wasn't the dreaded head gasket but.................

[bigdaddycain]

Oh, and i forgot to ask... Is it smoke or steam you are seeing? It's a little harder to determine in this cold weather, especially if there isn't much wind about.

[Oldboybob]

It doesn't use any engine oil at all, pretty sure whats coming out is smoke as it lingers will try giving the exhaust a shake later. Was driven for only about 6-8 miles yesterday and used no coolant. Have to go back up to Wigan after work to have a coolant alarm fitted so will check after that. Thanks for all the advice!

[bigdaddycain]

No worries Bob It sounds like any air has been purged now if you are seeing consistant fluid levels.

If it IS smoke not steam you are seeing, then there's no point in checking the rear box for sloshes... Sometimes an exhausts rear silencer (especially if the rear silencer is large) can take on water from an exterior source (carwash/submerged in a flood/small hole in the silencer) As the trapped water heats up it steams out of the exhaust pipe till the water has evaporated away.

[Oldboybob]

Still smoking but not as bad, worse when ticking over or pulling away but coolant level has stayed put will give it over the weekend then if its not got any better back to wheelquick I suppose. Got a lot of dates in my diary for getting out and about, just hope it gets better with the least expense Many thanks for your help and advice everyone Will keep you posted

[scanner]

You need to sort out whether it is white "smoke" or steam - two completely different things, with two completely different possible causes.

[jaylee]

You need to sort out whether it is white "smoke" or steam - two completely different things, with two completely different possible causes.

Or mistaken "blue smoke"? (As seen though a possible tinted rear window???)