Quick fix for white smoke before trade in

[dilmah]

Hi all,

I've got a '91 Camry 3S-FE with 267,000km (165K miles) on the clock which has recently been creating its own weather system behind me when I drive to the point where an EPA warning was issued (the Environmental Protection Authority here in Australia).
I'm no mechanic, but from what I've been told it's probably due to a head gasket or valve problem... whatever it is the top end needs to come off, and since I don't really need the car or intend to keep it, I don't want to spend big bucks fixing it. I performed a compression test on it but it didn't reveal any major/obvious problems. Cylinder 3 has got worn rings and cylinders 1 & 3 have excess oil. It's not really burning oil and the coolant (which actually looks like rusty water!) doesn't seem to ever run low, but there are a number of other oil leaks/sweats around the head, and there's probably other things wrong which would make it unlikely I'd be able to get a roadworthy certificate to sell it privately even if I get the head fixed.

Anyway, back to my question: is there any quick/cheap way to temorarily fix the white smoke (mainly when the engine's at operating temp) long enough to get it traded in for a new car (corolla hatch)?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated, otherwise the camry is headed for the wreckers , and I really would like to avoid that because it's served us well and can be fixed by someone who is willing to put in a little $$ to do it.

Thanks.

[Gary_602Z]

It would be better just to be honest with the prospective buyer! In our state if you know something is wrong with a car and don't disclose it they can come back to you.

Gary

[98CamryLE]

Here's a little perspective for you: What would you say about a car dealer who intentionally covered up problems, just so someone would buy a car on the lot? You'd call him a sleezebag, liar, cheat, ect....

I know you say the car has other problems which would already label it a "fixer upper", but still, be honest about everything, or at least don't intentionally cover it up.

[Eye8Pussies]

well, from the sounds of it, it seems that hte leak-stop additives for your oil won't even stop that kind of a leak that would create that much smoke

and I agree with the others on this- if you're selling privately, don't try and screw somebody over- just be straight up with them and if they want it, they'll fix it

but if you're trading it in to a dealership, then....if they're the ones who like to rush a trade in, then it's their fault, but if they're the ones who actually check a car, then they'll see all the leaks anyway

[Nad1370]

Dude,

Just trade it in when it's dark and cold outside.

[swegyptian]

I doubt the car has any real value anyway, they just give you something for it to make you happy.

[dilmah]

Thanks for your replies guys... looks like it's going to be heading for the scrap heap

If anyone wants any specific parts from it I'd be willing to organise something, but be aware that I live in the south-eastern region of Victoria, Australia. Cheers guys!

dilmah.

[tojo mojo]

B.S

Caveat Emptor: Buyer beware I say.

Wynns Charge.

but the best product is Morreys heavy duty oil stabiliser( available at every supa cheap) or (auto pro) I swear by as do Aussie taxi drivers. This stuff has the viscosity you need. I once had such a badly worn 18R with so much Morreys The starter Mtr could not turn it over quick enough to start it. Had to drain a bit out. This crap is so good you can run it straight in a standard banjo diff. Not many oil additives are capable of that.

If the head is stuffed....+ oil in water of vice versa Chemi-weld will fix it outright but not for ever.

Sell Sell Sell Baby.