Questions on typical wear and tear

Mahonri · 07-28-2009, 10:04 PM

Im concerned with how much fluid my car seems to go through. About every 150-300 miles I am putting in a quart of oil, right now im using 5w20 which I think is too light not sure on that. I can't find any leaks coming from the car. I haven't checked the PCV yet, im still waiting on that for now. I think what I might try is a wet and dry test and see what my guides look like. Any other directions you guys could lead me in?

Second is the amount of radiator fluid that I go through. I seem to fill it up and within 2 weeks driving my light comes on indicating it is low again. Sure enough the reservoir is almost empty along with the radiator it self needing filling. I checked all around the radiator and saw nothing out of the ordinary, no cracks or leaks of any kind. The only solution I can think of is a flush? Again any other suggestions?

Lastly is white smoke coming from the exhaust. Now I know what your all thinking, BHG... But the other signs are non existent, and my oil is not milky at all. Now I want to be clear that the white smoke is apparent only when I haven't driven for a couple days to a week or more, and its only on the initial startup. it doesn't last long maybe a min or less. Could this be due to extra burn off after sitting for so long?

I appreciate any suggestions. I would like to keep the car but I am looking to get rid of it if I cant find a reasonable solution to these problems.

Thanks,
-Ryan

mirage83 · 07-29-2009, 11:38 AM

Block test to check for combustion gases in your coolant would be a good place to start. Aside from that, check EVERYWHERE for a pretty bad oil leak.
How many miles on the engine? N/A or turbo model? Any significant mods?

Mahonri · 07-31-2009, 05:05 PM

I bought the car with 110 K and have driven it to 118K. The car is in excellent condition, minus the fluid it goes through. The guy I bought it from let it sit in his garage for over 10 years, driving it maybe once a year or so, which leads me to believe that some of the problems it has comes from its sitting for so long. I have no mods done to it, stock 7mgte turbo is in excellent condition as well. I'll get photos if you guys really want to see it, you wont be disappointed.

I just wish I had the money to get it running like a champ.

mirage83 · 07-31-2009, 09:33 PM

Okay, thanks for the background info. If I were you I'd start like I mentioned in my earlier post... check everywhere for oil leaks (you'll need to be under the car at some point to do a thorough check) and run a block test to see if you've got a BHG. Once those are done you'll at least know where the problem isn't.

Don't discount getting her running well. Just resign yourself to having to spend the time to do it to spread out the money necessary to get it done.

corrosivecopper · 08-02-2009, 04:38 PM

I agree.. look everywhere for leaks. It's still possible that head gasket is an issue if it hasn't been done yet. Could be minor.. probably after sitting awhile the coolant sitting in the cylinders burns off upon initial startup and disappears. As well, I strongly believe 5w20 oil shouldn't have been invented. Most turbo vehicles run 10w30.. that's all I run, especially if the kms are high. As well, if ya drive it in the winter, go to a 5w30. Those engines are meant for high RPM's so ya need a heavier oil to help keep it cool. Hopefully that hepls a little. Good luck!

07-28-2009, 10:04 PM	#1
Mahonri Intake Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 34	Questions on typical wear and tear Im concerned with how much fluid my car seems to go through. About every 150-300 miles I am putting in a quart of oil, right now im using 5w20 which I think is too light not sure on that. I can't find any leaks coming from the car. I haven't checked the PCV yet, im still waiting on that for now. I think what I might try is a wet and dry test and see what my guides look like. Any other directions you guys could lead me in? Second is the amount of radiator fluid that I go through. I seem to fill it up and within 2 weeks driving my light comes on indicating it is low again. Sure enough the reservoir is almost empty along with the radiator it self needing filling. I checked all around the radiator and saw nothing out of the ordinary, no cracks or leaks of any kind. The only solution I can think of is a flush? Again any other suggestions? Lastly is white smoke coming from the exhaust. Now I know what your all thinking, BHG... But the other signs are non existent, and my oil is not milky at all. Now I want to be clear that the white smoke is apparent only when I haven't driven for a couple days to a week or more, and its only on the initial startup. it doesn't last long maybe a min or less. Could this be due to extra burn off after sitting for so long? I appreciate any suggestions. I would like to keep the car but I am looking to get rid of it if I cant find a reasonable solution to these problems. Thanks, -Ryan

07-29-2009, 11:38 AM	#2
mirage83 12psi boost Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 359	Block test to check for combustion gases in your coolant would be a good place to start. Aside from that, check EVERYWHERE for a pretty bad oil leak. How many miles on the engine? N/A or turbo model? Any significant mods?

07-31-2009, 05:05 PM	#3
Mahonri Intake Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 34	I bought the car with 110 K and have driven it to 118K. The car is in excellent condition, minus the fluid it goes through. The guy I bought it from let it sit in his garage for over 10 years, driving it maybe once a year or so, which leads me to believe that some of the problems it has comes from its sitting for so long. I have no mods done to it, stock 7mgte turbo is in excellent condition as well. I'll get photos if you guys really want to see it, you wont be disappointed. I just wish I had the money to get it running like a champ.

07-31-2009, 09:33 PM	#4
mirage83 12psi boost Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 359	Okay, thanks for the background info. If I were you I'd start like I mentioned in my earlier post... check everywhere for oil leaks (you'll need to be under the car at some point to do a thorough check) and run a block test to see if you've got a BHG. Once those are done you'll at least know where the problem isn't. Don't discount getting her running well. Just resign yourself to having to spend the time to do it to spread out the money necessary to get it done.

08-02-2009, 04:38 PM	#5
corrosivecopper Stock Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bonnyville, Alberta, Canada Posts: 20	I agree.. look everywhere for leaks. It's still possible that head gasket is an issue if it hasn't been done yet. Could be minor.. probably after sitting awhile the coolant sitting in the cylinders burns off upon initial startup and disappears. As well, I strongly believe 5w20 oil shouldn't have been invented. Most turbo vehicles run 10w30.. that's all I run, especially if the kms are high. As well, if ya drive it in the winter, go to a 5w30. Those engines are meant for high RPM's so ya need a heavier oil to help keep it cool. Hopefully that hepls a little. Good luck!