I have an 02 volvo s60 which blows white smoke from the exhaust every morning. I has a smell to it, but not a burning smell. The car does not smoke while driving or for the rest of the day. Only in the morning or if the car sits for a long period. I have been trying to get to the root of the problem since I am also getting a p304 code. I have heard it could be head gasket or valve stem seal..need some insight Thanks.

 

Are you loosing coolant? If you are then you probably need a new head gasket.
Is the code a P0304? That would be a cylinder 4 misfire, and if the head gasket is bad you may be getting coolant into the number 4 cylinder causing it to misfire.

Check your coolant levels and get back to us.

Valve stem seals will have a bluish smoke at idle, especially after driving for a while.

 

I have to put coolant in it about every 2wks. and yes its p0304 code. I can upload a video tomorrow.

 

There you go. My money's on a head gasket that's leaking coolant into the 4th cylinder causing it to misfire.
Head Gasket is a little on the spendy side so look for a good indie mechanic in your area to confirm and to do the job for you if necessary.

 

Thanks so much for the insight. Sorry for the delay, i was crying over the possible cost of the repair. My mechanic said he wants to do a compression test with some dye or something before deciding to replace the head gasket.

 

well turns out..I have a bad Heater Core!

 

After many tests, I have found the culprit. I have some bad valves. I was getting the lean gas mixture code and misfire on 4. Compression tests and exhaust test show its a valve. And to my surprise it has a total of 20...ugh. I would have never thought. Any way. People don't want to address a valve issue because of the cost, but I think it is cheaper than buying a new one..Will keep you all posted on this delicate issue

 

So you were loosing coolant by way of the heater core and the smoking was coming from the bad valve?

What's wrong with the value? Burnt?

 

So after buying the head gasket Kit, with all the components, like my mechanic said, he bailed on me. All of a sudden the car "passes the re-compression test" and all the other bull crap tests! He wanted to keep the car longer and "diagnosis it some more." I said I am coming to get the car. Either you can overhaul it like you said or I will be there in 5min. Bottom Line...He could not overhaul it! Bit off more than he could chew! And No, He did not get paid!!!

I found an engine specialist,about 75 miles away, who is going to do a complete diagnosis with volvo equipment. Takes approximately 2 hrs to complete. Tired of all the guessing and spending money on parts! Will Keep the forum posted!

 

Just got back from my diagnostic trip. I have a few issues. The water pump is faulty. I have contacted dealer and a new one will be shipped because it is still under 1yr warranty. The Mechanic told me to send the head gasket kit back because I wont be needing it. I only need valve seals. And the tranny needs service. Well at least I know what I have to do and my purse is not going to be happy!!!

 

3 times the charm. I took the volvo to a 3rd mechanic (besides the one listed above) and he actually had the guts to take the engine apart. The car passes all tests, but due to the nature of the beast it surely had a problem. The Problem was...both exhaust valves on cylinder 4 were wiped clean and causing the misfire. The gasket around valve 4 was worn causing the antifreeze to leak into that cylinder also. I had the engine overhauled..new timing, gaskets, water pump, resurfaced heads..etc...Problem solved.

 

sktrmoss, can the valve seals be replaced w/o removing the head? Since you're replacing the h2o pump, it could be a good time to replace TB and other related components as well (if not yet replaced).

 

Yes the valve seals can be replaced with removing the head. The cam cover has to be removed, and the cams.