I'll disagree with this assessment.  White smoke is water, not oil.  There
is a leak in the system somewhere, in a diesel it is generally the head
gasket, or a warped head due to overheating.  Bluish/grey smoke is
indicative of an oil problem.

Z

-----Original Message-----
From: Rachel Cogent [mailto:cogent@GNTECH.NET]
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2001 8:27 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: white smoke?

Entity arthur sauerhaft spoke thus:

Volks,
Does white smoke coming from my '82 Diesel mean anything bad?
Is it the same for Diesel engines as it is for gasoline? Does oil coming out
of the filler tube mean anything other than the dipstick was loose?
The engine feels like it's running well.
thanks,
Arthur
'82 Diesel "the Beast"

(Replying in PLAIN TEXT)
Yes SourShaft, I'm afraid the white smoke is burning oil and the oil blowing
out of filler tube/dipstick/air filter is engine blowby from worn rings
which is carrying the oil with it. The only solution is a rebuild. Or you
could drive it forever the way it is.