Topic: Blowing smoke!

[Mdxtasy]

The main difference in my opinion is that the guy in the SUV has the choice to use that remote starter or not.  In most cases, low income families only have that 'beater' to get them to where they need to go.  You think for a second they enjoy driving in a car that spews out clouds of smoke and being stared at when stopped at the red light?  Do you want to take that car away so that they can't get to their job and rather than work....collect social assistance instead?  

Sure protecting the environment is an important issue we all face today, but as Johngen says, this is something we have to deal with.  Rather than targeting the 'have nots' who really don't have very many options to deal with new legislations and whatnot, it would probably be more effective to target the ones who have the financial ability to change.  

I think we've strayed a little off topic again.    

(Message edited by mdxtasy on December 04, 2004)

[safristi]

Well you Albertans better get ready fer the "Future"..here in Ontario for the last few years the "Drive Clean" (don't you just love the Gov dollars spent to get that SLOGAN!!??)has mandated pollution testing ..and bottom line any smoke and yer out..(Sounds familiar to the ciggie -puffers NO!!??).
  I've "lost" two Mitsubishi GTX 2000's (older Galants) to the tyranny..and can afford the loss.These said vehicles would by your posts still be  Alberta "good" and be roadworthy..and actually in Ontario massive areas are exempted..the populated spots where the "poorer" folk live is hit hard. Be CARefull what you ask for Mr.GREEN......

As an aside the third!!   world( silly nomenclature)..will prolly have over a billion cars soon..worry about them..leave us alone we have done enuf IMHO....

[articsteve]

Darth, if your still out there I would avoid 20W50 because of winter.  Again, try the "Restore" product.  I've used it on 4 stroke motorcycles before I trade to dealers with good results.

[darth_paul]

I used a stop-smoke additive from Crappy-Tire to the oil and it seems to be working.  

I only had smoke when I was accelerating with the throttle more that half way down.  

I know the engine is going.  But I need a beater car.  I do a lot of work for First-Nations schools on reserves.  Lots of gravel roads and I don't want the car to get stolen. or broken into.  

What would you guys recomend, a new engine (how much $), rebuild engine ($)  or a new beater car with unknown problems.  I get paid an ok travel expence, so I could save a couple hundred or more in a month or so.

Paul

[barrie1]

A rebuilt engine should be cheaper to buy then a new one. Its a lot faster to drop in then rebuilding the one you have as well. They should be able to fo the work in about one days time.

[articsteve]

That motor will be hard to find used. I would check out the price of rebuilts as Barrie says. It's a hard call about switiching to another beater.  Depends on what you got into yours?  What's the rust like?  Is it a standard shift?

I know what you are saying about doing government work on a reserve.

Just a point about what you put in your oil.  The old way to reduce smoke was to add a thickner.  Well for Alberta winters I don't think that will do you well.  Restore is a thing that fills up the spots on the cylinder walls to lessen blow by.  It is a big difference.  It will only buy you time, but could get you 30,000 km.

[barrie1]

My old winter beater Fleetwood uses a bit of oil as it has a lot of miles on it. I recently switched the oil to the Castrol Oil for higher milage cars and have found a large difference in consumption. The car hasen't really used any oil since I put this in 3 weeks ago. I used the 10W30 grade and have found quite a difference in how its running. That may help for now until you do something with the existing engine.

[saint_satan]

I remember reading somewhere that a 2-stroke engine from a weed-whacker will produce more pollutants in one day than a well tuned automobile will for 140,000 km.  Interesting...

[safristi]

My Sainted Aunt we all are being sold a bill of goods regarding auto-pollution.It's this generations whipping boy...stay tuned for the next "favourite" of the Politicians & chattering classes......coming to a TV/News!!??Paper near you.....

[johnturner]

I had the same problem with a 1987 Honda Accord carburetted. In the winter it would just pour blue smoke out the tailpipe for 1 min. (Until warmed up). It ran completely fine (without smoke) in the summer.

I believe the problem is the choke in the carb. I think this is a difficult thing to fix correctly as not too many mechanics can handle carbs these days.

In the end i sold it..for $100. Too many problems..plus the smoke was embarrasing and not good for the environment..it had around 300,000kms...plus it needed new brakes etc. A mechanic bought it. Its probably still running now.

[barrie1]

An engine will burn oil on startup if the Valve Guide Seals are worn out. Its one of the 1st signs of a tired engine.

[maritime_storm]

Yes environmentally speaking the engine should be fixed ASAP, if his budget permits. I agree with Barrie a rebuilt engine{with warrantee} is probably the best option providing the rest of the car is in reasonable condition. Sounds like at minimium she needs exhaust valve seals. Try one of the high mileage oils as suggested, it may buy some time. The fluffy black soot is from a rich mixture, try cleaning the carburator with a spray type cleaner{available at Canadian Tire for around $6, just follow the instructions on the can} pay particular attention to get the air bleeds in the throttle body, then check the choke for proper operation. I hope this is of help. Carburators on these small engines are really dirt sensitive, a good cleaning may make a world of difference.