White smoke(or steam) from valve covers

[derek4325]

1988 5.7 and not sure how many hours. When its cold and/or at idle there is a moderate amount of white smoke coming out of the valve covers if i take the oil cap off. When i ramp it up to about 1500- 2000 rpm it goes away. Is this any reason for concern? Engine always runs good, mechanically sound, i dont see and milkey oil in either the valve covers or the dip stick. Last oil change was at the beginning of this season and i put about 15 hours on it and the oil still looks good.

 

[derek4325]

So i checked all the spark plugs also and here's what i found in pictures. The front 4 plugs were the blacker color and the back 4 are the whiter color.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... I wouldn't worry 'bout the blow-by yer seein',......

From the spark plugs, 1/2 of yer carb is dirty, 'n partially plugged up,.....
I'd rebuild the carb, 'n see if the plug colors even out,.....

 

[derek4325]

Ayuh,..... I wouldn't worry 'bout the blow-by yer seein',......

From the spark plugs, 1/2 of yer carb is dirty, 'n partially plugged up,.....
I'd rebuild the carb, 'n see if the plug colors even out,.....

I had planned on doing that this winter or possibly sooner. I understand that the back plugs are whiter than they should be, but are they TOO white? We have a trip coming up in a day and i really don't want to burn a hole in a piston. Thanks for the reply

 

[derek4325]

That's how they looked after it idled for about 10 mins or so too. I know that doesnt provide a totally accurate reading