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Burning coolant in a 3 cyl; All three spark plugs covered in white
Topic Started: Jun 14 2010, 12:54 AM (598 Views)
Airsmithy


Hello folks!

I'd like to get some more ideas on what the problem is with my motor. Car is a 1995 3/5. I just replaced tranny. Previous owner had same problem.

At higher speeds ( 55 to 70 mph) I will on occasion get a huge white cloud behind the car. The cloud seems at least partially related to rpm. IE, i see the cloud, ease off the throttle, and the cloud becomes smaller. It can linger for a time (few miles) at the lower rpm, but usually goes away after I turn the engine off, then back on. At first I thought it was the metro oil fart. But oil level doesn't seem to be going down while coolant does. Also, all three spark plugs are caked in white. I'm guessing the problem could be:

1. Cracked head.
2. Blown head gasket.
3. Warped head.

I would think with a blown head gasket or cracked head, and mostly even with a warped head, I would be seeing one cylinder with more white on the plug vs the other two. As things sit, all three plugs seem about equally coated (before cleaning them).

Thanks in advance,

Dave
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Bad Bent
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Facetious Educated Donkey

If it's the usual "oil fart" then it may be the PCV valve. Look for oil in the air cleaner and if it's been a while at least clean the PCV and the "Y" tube or, as cheap as they are, just replace it to start off with. I got the fart after some coasting down a hill. You will get other opinions on the condition of the head. B-)
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mcmancuso
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These heads aren't prone to warp or crack, I'd vote head gasket. Since you gotta pull the head to do the gasket, I'd have the head checked for cracks, and planed or at least checked for straightness before putting it back on since it's suspect.
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Memphis metro


Have you been into this engine and has it run hot with you?
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Airsmithy


I've put maybe 400 miles on the engine since I bought the car. According to the temp gauge in the car, it hasn't run hot while I've had it, but I'm not sure I trust the gauge.

I haven't torn into the engine as yet. I'm planning on either putting rings and SS valves into this motor, or pulling a pick n pull motor to rebuild.

Thanks,

Dave
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