1989 supra non-turbo

[snuggley]

while driving my engine cut out and wouldnt start, after pulling over to the side of the road there was some smoke out the passanger side of the hood. after having it towed the mechanic got it running but the engine wont stay running. he has no idea what it is. any help

[bgrieger]

If a mechanic who is sitting over the car has no idea, I would recommend sending it to another mechanic...perhaps someone competent...

As to what it might be, the symptoms you have indicated could be anything from a fuel delivery to a computer issue to wiring to the intake plumbing. Almost anything the car requires. That said, the smoke suggests a gasket leak, burning oil or coolant or other. I'd worry more about what caused that than why it won't stay running.

[snuggley]

thank you very much for the help. another is looking at it tomorrow morning. after a bunch of reading the fuel delivery and computer seem to be the two most popular choices for the cause of the problem. the smoke is a big mystery to me though. thank you again.