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<mark@caddproductivity.com> wrote in message
news:rTDpf.1210$1Y4.90066@news20.bellglobal.com...[color=blue]
> My elderly yet vigorous Cressida needs some help. Mostly she needs me to
> stop driving her as though she was new, but that is not going to happen.
>
> The issue is: after recklessly bobbing and weaving down the highways in
> speeds in excess of 85 mph for over an hour she'll smoke, lightly, for
> about 10 minutes or so afterwards. The smokes is oily smelling and 'seems'
> to be coming from the area where the exhaust pipe meets the engine.
>
> If I drive the same route at a more sedate pace the after-smoke doesn't
> happen. In any event the temperature gauger stays steady at the midpoint.
> No, that not quite right, it is sometimes slightly elevated. [As I reread
> this, am I answering my own questions? No. 'Damn it Jim, I'm a doctor not
> a veterinarian!']
>
> Have I been "burning out the gunk" (obscure Bill Cosby stand up reference)
> or is this something more serious? Note that the car has been well cared
> for. Regular dino changes and some Lucas oil last year, plus a long
> service record I shant bore you with. My mechanics, whom I'll be seeing in
> two days, hold the old lady in high esteem.
>
> Another minor problem. The heat, regardless of engine temp' does not blow
> hot unless traveling at speed. In other words, it blows cool air while
> idling. I replaced the thermostat a few years ago. As my coolant seems to
> evaporate, albeit slowly, could I need a new head gasket? [There are no
> stains on the driveway.][/color]

You may be in need of a new water pump.

Also, I am assuming since it is a '91, it has the 7M-GE engine. From at
leats 86-89 or 90 these were notorious for blowing head gaskets, and the
symptoms you are describing are awful close to those of a head gasket in the
early stages of it's way out.

This is the same engine as used in the Supra, if it is worht your while to
tear it down, HKS makes a metal head gasket for this car. It's not cheap,
but you'll probably never have to replace it again. Depepnds, really, on how
much longer you plan on keeping the car. If it's a few more years, then I'd
spring the extra for the good HG!
[color=blue]
>
> It has been suggested that if the head gasket is rotten some coolant could
> escape (and burn and smoke, perhaps answering the 1st problem - to that
> point, does burning coolant have and oily smell?).
>
> This could explain the intermittent heat by way of low coolant circulating
> with air spaces (and would imply I'm not keeping as keen an eye on the
> level as I'd thought).
>
>
> Thanks for reading this somewhat rambling post,
> Mark
>
>
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