White smoke coming from exhaust!

[floyddeb]

I have white smoke coming from exhaust. The car is also very sluggish.

Have checked the oil cap and there is no 'mayonniase like substance'.

Is it safe to drive at all? or not?

Anything I can do if the cylinder head gasket is ABOUT to go (ie to prevent it happening)

Thanks

[jake-the-peg]

Sounds like the head gasket has already gone and coolant is getting into the cylinders but not the oil (hence none of the famous mayonaise).

Check for a drop in coolant level.

It's probably OK to drive a short distance like to the nearest garage but you'll want to get this fixed pretty fast as the risk is you'll get overheating and a damaged cylinder head.

[LizB99]

I'd agree about the blown head gasket. I had exactly the same thing a few years ago on a Rover 216, and that was the head gaskets. I would recommend getting it to a garage asap, so as not to damage the engine.

[DirtyHabit]

Is the car automatic?

[floyddeb]

No it's not an automatic.

Now seems ok.

A plug had popped out, which was why it was so sluggish. Coolant hadn't dropped, and there wasn't loads of smoke.Oil hadn't been changed for ages, so gave it an oil change and coolant change, car is fine for now but will keep an eye on it.