Hi I am new to this forum and am in need of some mechanical advice. I just bought a 94 Blazer with 240k miles for a work vehicle. They disclaimed before I bought it that it blew white smoke when it was started, but I didn't think much of it. However, as I've driven it the past couple days, I have a feeling there are some major issues that need addressed. The oil pressure fluctuates, and I did notice there is oil below the valve covers that looks to have sprayed out. It does have a good oil level, I don't see any puddles under the car. It does still blow white smoke when started, and sometimes when I stop. The thing that concerns me most however is that the car makes this knocking noise (sounds like a woodpecker) coming from the drivers side of the engine. It isn't constant, but it is louder at times. On my way home today, the car stopped on me, and I was able to get it started to get home. The oil pressure was low at this point. I had a 94 about 10 years ago, but I'm not sure where to start with this one. Any help anyone can provide is appreciated, thank you!!

 

How does the oil look.is it foamy or normal

 

The oil looks normal, not foamy.

 

Woodpeckers in the engine block is never a good sound.

White smoke in the exhaust is often water/coolant. Have you checked that?

I'm not sure if these vehicles are prone to non-bearing problems that make similar noises. I had a friend bring me a Jeep Cherokee (4.0L inline 6) last year because it had a "rod knock" or "bearing knock." I pulled the starter and lower cover (probably didn't need to pull the starter), tightened up the loose bolts on the flex plate/torque converter, and the knock stopped immediately. I actually, pulled the loose bolts one at a time, applied blue loctite, and then installed them properly, but you get the idea. Those Jeep vehicles are known for that problem.

I don't know if that's common on these or not. I'd be sure to check that before investing a lot of time/money in major engine work.