97 Camry 4cyl- Suddenly started smoking???

[GringoEJS]

Well, I have a 97 Camry 4cyl, 122k and oil level OK. Today, while cruising at 65 or so going uphill, I felt a slight power loss and suddenly it started smoking pretty heavily. Once I was no longer going uphill and I could let up on the gas, the smoke lessened considerably. I pulled over and popped the hood and nothing was out of the ordinary. After getting back in the car and going home, I noticed that the amount of smoke coming out of the exhaust depended on how hard I pushed on the gas.
Oil level is fine, it did not overheat, and it still runs. Just smokes like a fire extinguisher if I step on the pedal more than 50%. Never had a problem out of it before.
Any ideas? I hope not rings...

[xfeejayx]

Originally Posted by GringoEJS

Oil level is fine, it did not overheat, and it still runs. Just smokes like a fire extinguisher if I step on the pedal more than 50%. Never had a problem out of it before.

You probably haven't driven enough to see a noticeable decrease in oil, probably don't want to. If you can, drain your oil. Play close attention to what it looks like. Does it have metal flakes in it? Does it look milky instead of clear? Anything out of the ordinary.
Can you identify what color the smoke is? Is it pure white? maybe it has a hint of blue in it?
You might want to check the coolant reservoir first. see if there are black brown spots in the coolant, or if all of it is turning brown. Might have to drive it just a bit more to even see any differences. If you do, keep an eye on the temp and make sure you have oil before you go driving.
Report back, it will help narrow down the problem.

[RIP]

Just to add, white smoke (vapor) out the tailpipe indicates a blown head gasket and needs to be fixed asap to prevent costly head, cylinder and/or block damage. Should see the coolant level decrease as the engine "burns" the coolant. Will eventually overheat. Will likely see water in the oil and visa versa as xfeejayx describes.

When head gaskets go many times they produce a massive leak and create almost immediate damage. If it is the head gasket, you apparently have a smaller leak and in that respect are very lucky. It gave you a warning.

[GringoEJS]

Well, I looked at it better last night and there is no mixing of the coolant into the oil pan. The coolant in the reservoir is purple, but it seems to be Toyota coolant and not oily. I went to do a compression test, but the spark plug wire broke in cyl 1 and I haven't been able to get it out yet.