Nissan Repair: water problems, nissan micra, valve seals

Question
QUESTION: Hi I have just got a 1998 Nissan Micra 1.0 Japanese Import, and I'm having Problems with water and a lot of white smoke coming from the exhaust and I think as it is using a nice drop of Petrol, but the car is running great and there is 122,00km on the clock, would be grateful if you can give any help please

ANSWER: HI Anthony -

Couple questions -

When you say problems with water, do you mean the car is consuming water and you have to keep refilling?

The white smoke from the exhaust, does it linger in the air, or dissipate rapidly?

Let me know please
aloha
calvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Calvin thanks for getting back to me so quick, it does not use the water from the Radiator so I think it might be normal but it seems to be a lot, the white smoke it lingers in the air for about 10 seconds, I have to put it in for a NCT near the end of March and I just want to do as much as i can on it myself, Anthony

Answer
Hi Anthony -

If the smoke is lingering in the air as you say, then it is probably burning petrol. Most common cause are the valve seals. With the right equipment, most of the time they can be replaced with the heads still on the car, however you do need some special tools.

Another option, if the smoke is not that bad, is to put an additive in the engine to address the seals. There are several additives that, when added to the petrol, will expand rubber seals, and correct the problem. Talk to a competent auto parts store, and they will show you some selections.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin