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26th January 2018, 12:20 | #1 |
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Perplexing 1.8 idle and smoke issues
Hi folks,it's been a while. I've had my 1.8 Cowley built 75 for a few months and love it. It's been a perfect runner and never let me down.
The PO was fastidious and spent literally thousands on the cars needs. This included a replacement Ivor Searle engine about 20 thousand miles ago. I've been in hospital recently and hadn't started the car in a week and a bit as I am not able to drive yet. Normally a first turn of the key has the car purring into life. Nope, not this time. It was difficult to start and ran like an absolute pig.Idle would not stabilise and I had to blip the throttle to keep it running and this has become worse. Blue smoke (petrol smelling) is drifting out of the exhaust and the join at the exhaust manifold down tubes and where the cat joins the system. I thought I'd spilled WD40 on it and wiped it off but it reappears and causes quite the cloud of smoke when it is burning off. No coolant loss, no mayo on the dipstick or oil filler cap. No temp gauge woes prior to this, although I know it is heavily dampened. There is evidence of K Seal in the header tank although this was done due to a heater matrix leak at some point in the cars history. The coolant cap is not pressurising either. No hose leaks seen. The only minimal moistness I can see and it really is just that, is on the very top of the front of the exhaust manifold above the second N/S down tube. Possiblity that the inlet gasket is leaking and seeping into the exhaust and down the remaining down tubes? Is there a K series enthusiast who is near North London (Edmonton/Enfield) who might be able to have a look for me as I can't yet drive due to just having had a major stomach op and wouldn't be keen on the car driving anywhere due to the smoke being pumped out anyway. Obv petrol and food covered. Thanks. Ken
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2002 MG ZT 160 - Le Mans Green 1996 MGF VVC BRG 1975 Triumph Toledo 2 litre 1996 Ford Galaxy 2.0 petrol |
26th January 2018, 19:11 | #2 |
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Thought that there might have been one or two comments at least
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2002 MG ZT 160 - Le Mans Green 1996 MGF VVC BRG 1975 Triumph Toledo 2 litre 1996 Ford Galaxy 2.0 petrol |
26th January 2018, 19:31 | #3 |
Posted a thing or two
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A failing inlet manifold gasket wouldn't leak coolant into the exhaust - it would leak externally, causing wet spots and/or crystal build-up on the back of the engine or it would leak internally, allowing coolant into the cylinders, resulting in lumpy running.
What's your coolant level like? Blue smoke would usually indicate oil is being burnt.
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26th January 2018, 19:34 | #4 | ||
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Quote:
Don’t attempt to start it again because petrol will destroy the catalytic converter. Quote:
Simon
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26th January 2018, 20:22 | #5 |
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If it has been standing a while in the cold/damp weather, it may be damp around the coil packs/leads. This may have led to a misfire and contaminated plugs. Remove them all, dry out thoroughly and preferably, fit a set of new plugs, gapped correctly. It makes a world of difference.
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26th January 2018, 22:24 | #6 |
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I whipped off the plugs/coil pack cover and everything in there was as dry as a bone. I didn't have a long reach plug spanner to enable me to check the plugs, that will happen soon though.
The leaking fluid onto the down pipes is an odd one as I simply cannot see a hugely obvious source. I agree with the Devils fluid. Arrghh, if it is the HGF then it's game over really as I have neither the time, ability or cash to sort. Thanks for the responses guys.
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2002 MG ZT 160 - Le Mans Green 1996 MGF VVC BRG 1975 Triumph Toledo 2 litre 1996 Ford Galaxy 2.0 petrol |
27th January 2018, 08:02 | #7 |
I really should get out more.......
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I feel your pain on this one. I bought a 1.8 for £150 to save it as its an Arran white Cowley. I knew going in it could have HGF, but at the time thought I had the money to do it. I trusted a local specialist (supposedly) £750 later and its doing all kinds of weird stuff like yours! One minute oil loss, then random water loss. No mayo, no misfire, gurgles behind the dash, sometimes pressure under rad cap, sometimes not! Allsorts!
One of the experts on here had a quick look and explained there is insane pressure blowing out the oil cap and its pretty bad. Could you find the nearest club expert to have a look. Might give you a definite answer? |
27th January 2018, 10:01 | #8 |
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It could well be an inlet manifold that leaks!
If the manifold leaks, it can leak to the outside and to the inside, via the inlet valves. If the car has been standing for a long period, it is possible to have a bit of water in the cylinder(s). That would make the engine difficult to start, the idle lumpy and produce some smoke (steam) but should clear as the engine runs. Let us know what you find.!
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