Hi guys I've just bought a civic vtec dohc from an auction I can see why it was in there now :mad: basically driving it home the temp gauge didn't move someone has removed the thermostat it uses water and smokes a lot when reved the oil isn't milky and there's no oil in the water, I've tested the headgasket with that fluid that changes colour its not showing anything! I've compresion tested the cylinders to and they are showing between 150 and 175 psi this is because I'm sure it should be more powerful to don't no if this is connected. The smoke from the exhaust is a white colour, please help thank you. :)

I suspect a cracked head, where water/antifreeze is being burned. Get a used oil analysis done.

I was kind of hopeing it wouldn't be that :( how would I get an analysis done? Also would this not show with the head gasket tester? There's a few products out there that say they can fill cracks or porous surfaces do you know whether these actually work? Thank you. Jon.

Go on the web and search for a convenient and inexpensive lab. Based on lab results, I would replace the head and do the job right.

OK cool il have a look would this not have shown as low compresion though? Its using a lot of water I'm surprised the oil isn't milky. Could it be a crack in the block as well or just head? I have a spare b16a engine mines a b18 I'm not sure if the heads are interchangeable are you? Sorry to be a pain!

I suspect a head leak, where most of the water is being burned. I'm not sure about interchangeability of the heads.

Just thinking would the compresion not be lower if the head is cracked or would it be when the valves are open so not affecting it? And would the cracked head not show up in the radiator as gas which it didn't unless I did it wrong which is poss :rolleyes: hehe cheers