Here's the problem, I've got an '81, series 2, 12A auto which is blowing a whole lot of white smoke out the exaust. The problem is worse on start up and at higher revs but is still present at idle, hot or cold. My first thought was that it's coolant but it has a very strong fuel smell and there is no apparent loss of coolant plus there is no condenstation of the smoke. Any ideas as to the cause and or cure would be greatly appreciated.

 

check the carb's float, sounds like its stuck.

kenn

 

Thanks, I been suspecting the carby too. Is there an easy way to check, fix or loosen the float without disassembling the carby?

 

Both the front and rear floats have sight windows. You will need a small mirror and flashlight to see the rear one. In my sig line is a link to the online FSMs and carb manual.

Welcome to the Darkside.

 

I checked the sight windows and both had fuel constantly at about the halfway mark, this is normal right? I did notice that the fuel was dribbling out of the jets is this normal? I would have thought it would be more of a spray. Forgive my ignorance, I've never had a car with a carby before.

 

could just need a tune.. imop

 

Just what is it you mop?


At idle, the jets can appear to dribble fuel. Keep an eye on your coolant just in case and track of your fuel mileage. It's possible that you are burning coolant, but it hasn't shown up yet because the overflow tank is refilling the cooling system. You could drain the overflow tank and drive around to see if the low coolant light comes on. Carry coolant with you just in case. If you are burning coolant, the exhaust may seem rich because of poor fuel combustion. You should have a sweet smell in the exhaust though if it is burning coolant.

 

yeah about a coolant seal? you gotta rebiuld to fix that right?? well has anyone tried like radiator stop leak or that head gasket fix crap? i havnt ever heard of anyone trying that stuff on a rotary but jw if it has a chance?

 

Block seal works great, but it is temporary and it's usually a bandaid to sell a car rather than keep it going.

 

check your cat, i picked up an 84 auto that did the same thing. when i started it to get it home it poured out white smoke. i figured it was a coolant seal, but the coolant level was ok, so i just let it run and warm up. after 10 minutes or so i noticed an orange glow under the car, as i peeked my head under there i was greeted with a flaming ball of catalytic fury engulfing a significant part of the undercarriage. i let it cool down, removed the cat, and the was no more smoke.

isaac

 

Umm, I just said my own opinion.

opinion=not fact, a guess, a thought.

Same as your opinion.

 

I don't think it's the cat because this is an '81 car and here in australia unleaded fuel wasn't introduced until '86 and so pre '86 cars here don't have them. Going on my experiences with piston engine cars (which may not be correct in this case) if it's coolant then a. the smoke is basically steam and so will condensate into moisture if you put your hand or a some paper towel over the exhaust but it's totally dry, b. there would be some sign of emulsification in the oil which there is not and c. there would be bubbles in the coolant at the radiator cap which there are not. This has all lead me to suspecting that it's uncombusted fuel, it has a very strong smell which almost burns your nose but I wouldn't really call it a sweet smell. But then again coolant leakage symtoms may be different with the rotary engine and I may be just hoping it isn't coolant because I know that it means a rebuild.