I got a '88 gtu today and when I started it up it poured out white smoke. I checked out the oil and it looked like it had an orange tint to it.I guess it's safe to say that it's shot, huh?

 

what color is the coolant?

 

orange tint? maybe fuel, but the wite smoke sounds like coolant, have you lost any? open up the overflow tank, do you smell exaust in it? post result

 

was this a recently rebuilt motor?

 

It flooded?

 

I'll check all of that tomorrow. The car came from an auction and is great inside and out. The motor is original and looks like they always went to the dealer for service. It has a brand new mazda oil filter on it and a new mazda battery, but the motor runs like crap.I was thinking coolant too. Is there a relatively cheap or easy fix for this or teardown and rebuild is in order. Damn I must be tired nothing is cheap or easy when it comes to these cars.

 

did you change the oil before this? i always change the oil on any car i buy so i know the history and start fresh. if not do it and monitor it to see if it turns up the same way.

does the exhaust smell sweet like coolant?

 

Just picked it up today. Haven't done a thing gonna start tomorrow.will keep ya posted.