- My model of MX-5 is: __1.8 NC1
- I’m based near: __Birmingham
- I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: __white smoke.
Hi all
My car lost it’s coolant on motorway. I tried to nurse it to next junction 3/4 mile away but before I got there gauge hit top so I stopped.
It was leaking from thermostat housing . I changed that it’s not leaking but white smoke/steam and creamy oil cap
So
Recommendations please, I want to keep it. Who or would you recommend? Approx cost ? Might it be better to get a reconditioned engine?
Possibly the head gasket gone?
1 Like
Unfortunately probably correct. The creamy stuff is probably a small amount of oil leaking into the coolant from the blown head gasket. This happened to me many years ago on a Peugeot 104. If memory serves, if you leave the top off the coolant tank and start the engine and the water has bubbles in like a fizzy drink then this does mean air is getting into the coolant probably from a leak in the head gasket. On my 104 it was a cracked cylinder liner.
White steam from exhaust? Mayonnaise in the oil? Sounds like head gasket. Coolant is entering the combustion chamber and being exhausted out the back. Coolant in the oil will cause the mayonnaise. Head will need a skim and gasket replaced. Shouldn’t be too expensive if no other damage has been done.
Definitely head gasket , so now I need to know cost of repairs. Any recommendations for garage in Birmingham/ west mids
Was it otherwise running ok? Hopefully there’s no damage to the head, though I’m unclear what the propensity is for that in these engines.
Certain it will need a skim. Going to fix it and flog it
Afternoon
I decided to give the gasket seal you pour into expansion tank ago in the hope it would keep me going for a bit till new engine money was in the pot.
It took a bit of time to start cranking and cranking for 15 mins till it fired up .
No white smoke ! Ran ok.
But it would tick over ok revvy driving would send temp gauge soaring and overheating .
I took the new thermostat back off and tested it by putting it in boiling water
At first it hardly opened , maybe 1mm to. I think it was gunned up with the gaskets seal because I cleaned and tapped it and then it began to open ok. It was a cheap one from GSF . temp marked on it is 87.
I’ve refitted it and now the car won’t start . Sometimes it stuffers and sounds like it wants to go
I’ve gone over my work and MAF sensor and throttle body are plugged in and giving readings in OBD live data .
I tried a squirt of Easy start but no difference .
Any suggestions? What to do next ?
If easy start is not working it would suggest that you do not have a spark. I would take a plug out and lay it on the block and crank to see if it sparks. A cheap spark tester is easier if you have one. e.g Temu | Explore the Latest Clothing, Beauty, Home, Jewelry & More
Agreed, check the plugs to see if gunked up, but I’d also be doing a compression test whilst they are out.
Thanks for the input , I removed and cleaned spark plugs and it started . It needs new plugs I think But my current plan is to take it to my local garage tomorrow for a “Pre MOT check" . The idea is it’s MOT Is due in a week . If the chassis is ok and it’s relatively healthy which I think it will be because there are no corrosion advisories on MOT history. I will get the engine swapped out. I spoke to a few garages and no one wanted to fix it . The two MX-5 specialist said to swap the engine suggesting fitting the 2.5 but I sits evid higher the car will be harder to sell down the line and having a bigger engine really means I will just hit a tree harder and kill myself .
So spending £50 on plugs when it may have a new engine next week seems silly.
Although it’s not smoking anymore it is still overheating temp gets to 110 ( obd reading)degrees pretty quick when driving . If I let it idle temp drops down but soon builds back up
Pressure builds up in coolant circuit certainly at expansion tank .top hose never gets very hot but there is pressure in it . Hardly any heat in cabin but there never was . Hoses to Heater core not very warm but the smaller hose from thermostat housing s very hot .
I would be tempted to remove the thermostat to see it that stops the overhest I don’t trust the one I bought. But I won’t have time to change it before health check
My concern now is if it passes health check tomorrow and I have a new engine fitted that will overheat too because there is an underlying cause I don’t understand that’s causing it.
Any advice people ?
It will rise above 120c if I let it but I dont
Need to check your existing radiator for a start if you are keeping that one.
(Also, as you have recently added gasket seal).
As that “may” have been part of the original problem…..
Did the fan cut in at all…..
Probably at the point where a full professional diagnostic check will prevail.
Certainly needs the head to come off to see what is what in my opinion.
I would also stop trying to start it too, but that’s just my opinion.
I agree it’s pointless just chucking parts and money at it until you know the answers.
Your last paragraph states where you are with it.
Long term heat not coming into the cabin is obviously some concern considering what’s happened.
That famous Abba song may come to haunt you with this one!
Good luck.
UPDATE:
Car Failed MOT on leaking front shock NS. It had new front OS 2000 miles 23 month ago . So I am keeping it.
Also have oil leaks from engine but I’m going to buy a refurbished 1.8 engine and get it fitted. Looking forward to having a solid base to start fettling and titivating. Chrome-tat.com here I come.
1 Like
That’s what I would do too.
As you will have some form of warranty with the refurbished engine as well.
Always best to fit new shocks in axle pairs by the way.
Good luck and enjoy.
1 Like
Wow !
I started this thread 16th September and today the garage phoned me to say car was ready .
What was done in that time ,?
Mot fail shock leaking
Shock absorber fitted
Mot passed
Refurbished engine purchased , delivered to garage ( Fox Hollies Walmley)
They fitted new timing belt ,water pump
Engine fitted
I’ve missed my little mistress . During the garage time my friend let me a mercedes c250 estate . Lovely car but not an MX-5.
2 Likes
And it’s back, new engine, new thermostat. Vroom
4 Likes