engine overheats

clouds of white smoke coming from the engine. Where within the engine or its coming out of the exhaust?

Have it block and pressure tested-do the block first to pinpoint a combustion leaking into the cooling system or a gas analyzer to sniff for hydrocarbons at the radiator fill neck. This will rule out the headgasket,block & cylinder head.

Pressure test: do not do a pressure test if there's leakage at the headgasket this might cause coolant into the cylinders and lock it up or bend a connecting rod if cranked thereafter. The headgasket should be repaired before doing the pressure test.

If the block and pressure test passes check the following: Thermostat,Pressure test the Rad. cap,Clogged radiator,Fan clutch,Radiator electrical fan,collaspe hoses,water pump.

i can take the oil cap off and smoke will come from there...

[quote:ca522a7824="bobgeorge091475"]i can take the oil cap off and smoke will come from there...[/quote:ca522a7824]

You getting me twisted here-confirm the color is it bluish or whitish I need to know this before we proceed.

It could be the headgasket,block/head or a clogged-up crankshaft ventilation system