My '86 N/A recently started putting out light white smoke--definitely coolant. I searched the archives for possible fixes, and found one originally posted on the FB mailing list by Dale Thomas involving Purple Power degreaser and Block Weld.

My question: the procedure only calls for draining the radiator and not the entire engine block for each step. Is this right? Or should I drain the entire system when using the degreaser, flushing it out, and running the Block Weld through?

I'd really like to keep this car--it still has great compression and only 108,000 miles.

Thanks in advance!!

 

the coolant seals on a 12a are on the oppisite side compared to a 13b.. so i would say its time for a rebuild..
Dave

 

'opposite side' Which side are you talking about?

 

On a 12a the coolant seals are on the alum. rotor housings and on a 13b they're on the steel end and middle housings.

 

Ahh.. Makes sense now. I didn't quite understand what 'side' meant. I was like, well they're round, they're on every side! That makes sense.

 

So, will doing the procedure on an FC not work?

 

It might, and probably will work for a short period, especially if it's just recently started. However the sooner you get it rebuilt, the better. If you can't afford it right now, then go ahead and try, it's not going to make it any worse!

 

Thanks, SonicRat. I will flush and fill this weekend--if it doesn't work, I guess I'll just sell it. I've put a lot into the car, though, and can't wait to get another one.