White smoke in 4WD?

[oblivionnewtonjohn]

I've been cutting trees, using 4WD to haul the logs about 200ft to the alley. Noticed last week white smoke with an odd smell, not the usual sweet you'd associate with coolant in the oil etc. I changed the oil the next day, no foam, no milky residue. Just black oil. The PO, my former coworker kept the oil changed frequently, I've maintained the changes just as frequent.

Have not noticed it this past week on my commute. So today I took down the big tree, hauled logs and used 4WD. The smoke returned.

It almost smells like a chemical/fluid burning. Not oil, not coolant. It really has me dumbfounded.

I have some dye and a UV kit, may see if I can trace.

 

[tommudd]

From what area does it come from ?
That would help to narrow it down some

 

[renegade 04]

Have you checked the oil level in the transfer case?

 

[oblivionnewtonjohn]

From what area does it come from ?
That would help to narrow it down some

Tailpipe. Again, not seeing it today on my commute. Seems to be when 4WD is engaged. Talked with a reputable 4WD shop, he suggested possibly a small head gasket leak that presents itself under heavier than normal loads.

I'll do a compression test this weekend. Also add some UV dye to coolant, see if it's in the oil.

 

[oblivionnewtonjohn]

Have you checked the oil level in the transfer case?

I have not. My next project as I've worked through the immediate issues of worn suspension.

 

[tommudd]

or valve seals, more power being used in 4x4 so blowing more past

 

[tommudd]

I have not. My next project as I've worked through the immediate issues of worn suspension.

Immediate issue is the motor, then suspension

 

[oblivionnewtonjohn]

The engine has given me no issues until now. So the suspension was immediate need, all ball joints were worn and boots pierced.

What's the book say for valve seal job time? RockAuto has the newer style complete heads for $430 each.

 

[oblivionnewtonjohn]

or valve seals, more power being used in 4x4 so blowing more past

Understood. But it literally starts when 4WD is engaged, just idling, before I've moved under load. I've watched it in 2WD and have yet to see it blow smoke, even after 75-80 on highway to work.

 

[oblivionnewtonjohn]

Just so I am clear. In 2WD no smoke. 4WD, with no pulling, hauling, in a few minutes at idle, smoke.