Engine problems: The Symptoms

[tevolo]

I got a Supra the other day and 50% the people I talk to say it's a BHG the other 50% say it's not. I'm not sure but here are some notes I took down when it happened.

The car had been running good when I bought it for about 100 - 150mi. I parked it for about 20 mins and when I started it up it would hit about 2500rpm's then it would sputter down to 500rpm's and die.

-My coolant lines are good

-There's some kinda rusty substance in my radiator. People told me it's oil but it doesn't seem thick enough to be oil in my opinion.

-Spark plugs 5 and 6 are completely submersed in oil

-Spark plugs 1 and 2 are good

-Spark plugs 3 and 4 I couldn't get a look at so I'm not sure.

-Whenever I'd turn off the engine after it started running weird, I'd hear three clicks when I'd shut the car off.

-I could smell unburnt fuel when I'd start the car up

So there's the symptoms. I've got my own ideas about a few things but I'd like to have the opinion of some more expirienced Supra guys. I'm still learning how to work on mechanical stuff cos I mostly weld at the moment.

[CRE]

Plugs 5 and 6 covered in oil? Is it wet oil? If so your valve cover seals are probably leaking... quite common.

The substance in the rad could very well be rust. I'd start with a flush of the coolant system and then watch it closely for further contamination for a week or two after.

The clicking is probably the ISC, it's supposed to click a few times when the car is shut off. It's possible you're also hearing a relay or two open up.

On a cold start the car will always run a rich. It's a given. You'll also smell more of a fuel odor as the cat isn't hot enough to eliminate most of the excess fuel.

I haven't read anythiing in your description which makes me think BHG. You could always do a compression test though... and don't skip cylinders 3 and 4 when you do it.

[tevolo]

Yes the oil is wet. I'll do that compression test. I hope it's not a BHG. I just got back from the Toyota dealership and they told me the same thing. They said it's probably a valve cover seal leaking. I just wanna make sure before I spend the money on a new head gasket.

[tevolo]

Oh and one more thing. Do you know about any online manuals that show how to take replace the leaking valve cover seals?

[CRE]

It's not a complicated job at all... if it turns into one, then you're making it much harder than it needs to be.

http://www.cygnusx1.net/Supra/Librar....aspx?S=EM&P=1

Make sure you don't over torque the valve cover screws when you put the valve covers back on, you can warp the valve covers or split the seal... 22in lb is all that they're spec'd for. Also make sure you torque the screws in the right order.

[Razo-E]

that has nothing to do with a BHG, people hear "Supra" and "problem" and automatically assume...


tighten up all those seals, replace gaskets if needed, just keep her full of oil, throw in an extra quart if you gotta, just don't run her low..



p.s. OMG CRE, HI 2 U!!!

[Jeeves]

I was going to say (albeit quite late) a lot of those issues are just Supra quirks orr issues that develop with age.