I doubt you have a headgasket problem if you don't see sludge in the coolant. Another sign of bad headgasket is oil leaking under the rear of the engine.
I also doubt it is rings if it came on suddenly.
Easiest way to check these is a compression test.
Did you have the car jacked up in the front at any time? I once had mine lifted in front for a couple of days to do some work on the brakes, and the next time I drove the car it smoked from the exhaust for a couple of miles. I figured oil made it into the #4 cylinder. I gave off a LOT of smoke, and had me pretty nervous for a while.
Also make sure the dipstick and oil filler cap are properly sealed. If not, they let too much air into the crankcase. This usually makes the engine run roughly, but it could perhaps cause some smoke from incomplete combustion.
That's all I got, but you will find others here with a lot more expertise.
I also doubt it is rings if it came on suddenly.
Easiest way to check these is a compression test.
Did you have the car jacked up in the front at any time? I once had mine lifted in front for a couple of days to do some work on the brakes, and the next time I drove the car it smoked from the exhaust for a couple of miles. I figured oil made it into the #4 cylinder. I gave off a LOT of smoke, and had me pretty nervous for a while.
Also make sure the dipstick and oil filler cap are properly sealed. If not, they let too much air into the crankcase. This usually makes the engine run roughly, but it could perhaps cause some smoke from incomplete combustion.
That's all I got, but you will find others here with a lot more expertise.
Should much oil be getting past the rings anyway?
