Date: Sun, 01 Dec 2002 16:43:57 GMT From: John Davies <johndaviesNOSPAMnopsam.net> Subject: Re: Erratic Idle and exhaust smoke...
On Sun, 01 Dec 2002 13:51:01 +0000, Matt Gibson <gothicknopsamick.org.uk> wrote: >Took my car in to have its throttle damper replaced the other day; since >then I've noticed it idling rather roughly. Just went out to check it out, >and if I leave it to reach operarting temp, it idles rough (erring on the >side of slow rather than fast), sounds a touch unhealthy, and I'm getting >quite a lot of white smoke coming out of the exhaust at that stage. White smoke is bad. Are you positive that it isn't merely condensation? Moisture from normal startup will dissipate pretty quickly as it drifts away. True white smoke will not - it is usually associated with a blown head gasket. Coolant is entering the cylinders and burning, causing the white smoke. I think you need to get this looked at ASAP - do not delay! Coolant in the cylinders can cause a lot of damage if left for long. A blown head gasket is usually easy to diagnose - there may be crud in the oil and you may also get exhaust gasses in the coolant, which may be visible as bubbles, and are certainly detectable with a simple emmissions test probe. A compression leak-down test is probably the definitive method. It requires a source of clean compressed air and a special gage set. Good luck. John Davies Monroe WA USA 2001 Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon 2000 Audi A4 quattro 1.8T 1991 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4x4