Smoke coming from headers or spark plugs

[ullearn]

Having just got the truck running after 10 years, now once it gets warmed up there is smoke (can't tell color, but doesn't smell sweet or like bunt oil) coming from the driver side exhaust manifold or spark plug channel.  Reading other forums about this and it sounds like it could be:

- Stuff just burning off; give it longer
- Bad Valve cover or header gasket
- Bad spark plug not sealing
- Much worse stuff...

In preparing to start the motor I did pre-lube each cylinder with Marvels mystery oil while turning it over by hand/starter (pre-starting), but it's been months since that.  Both exhaust pipes are putting out good exhaust that doesn't have smoke, so not sure what to try/do next?

Since a pic/video is worth a thousand words here is a video of it (skip ahead to 1:05)

[bake74]

     #1:  I would get different spark plug ends for the spark plugs, the straight type is the ones I would go with.  Your #3 spark plug boot is sitting on your header, this will not last long before it melts through.  You have enough room for the straight boots that can be routed and placed away from the heat.
     #2:  That smoke could be old oil burning off from when the header was installed with the gasket.  But if it has been there for awhile after running I would say that is not the cause.  My belief is that either the header is not tight enough, or more likely is that the surface between the head and header is not smooth enough to seal.  This is a major problem with cheaper headers.  The way to check this is take off the header and inspect with a straight edge the top and bottom of both the head and header.
     At the same time you should check the gasket to make sure no damage has occurred from blow-by.

[Irish_Alley]

is it hot like exhaust or is just smoke? since its still burning off after it cools i would think its oil or some other fluid. also try to plug the tail pipe with your hand hand see if the smoke gets worse

[jaredts]

Looks like oil burning off to me.  I would torque the valve cover bolts and clean the area with a degreaser thoroughly.  Then let it run for a while to see if you can burn off the remaining oil.  I don't think its an exhaust leak--it takes too long to start smoking, it continues smoking quite a bit after stopping, and you would hear it.

[bd]

Looks like oil burning off to me.  I would torque the valve cover bolts and clean the area with a degreaser thoroughly.  Then let it run for a while to see if you can burn off the remaining oil.  I don't think its an exhaust leak--it takes too long to start smoking, it continues smoking quite a bit after stopping, and you would hear it.

I agree, it's oil.  Follow jaredts recommendation.

[bobcooter]

Looks like oil burning off to me.  I would torque the valve cover bolts and clean the area with a degreaser thoroughly.  Then let it run for a while to see if you can burn off the remaining oil.  I don't think its an exhaust leak--it takes too long to start smoking, it continues smoking quite a bit after stopping, and you would hear it.

I agree too. It looks that that engine has been sitting up for a long time judging from the looks of the crud and dirt around the edges of the valve cover and on the head. The valve cover gasket is porbably dried up and hard and may be leaking a little. It may just all cook off.

[ullearn]

My impatience got the better of me, but love that I have got the first drive in!