NA Smoking and idling rough - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Piddy · 09-01-2005, 09:54 PM

Argh.. my gf's NA is idling really rough and smoking A LOT out of the exhaust. Any body have any ideas?? Everything seemed to be okay... but the idle started sounding like a plug wasn't firing... and then it started smoking. HELP!

Bernd · 09-01-2005, 10:10 PM

bluishwhite is from too much oil entering the cylinder, steam-white from water, black from fuel.

Anyway looks like a trip to see the mech.

Piddy · 09-01-2005, 10:22 PM

Yes... but how would any of these 3 be affecting my 5sfe. Thanks for the input though

Bernd · 09-02-2005, 07:19 AM

Which of the three is it? If you want assistance to be able to tell whether your mechanic knows his stuff or is out for your bux, whynot make my life simpler. Easier on me if I give only 1 attempt on a crash course in remote engine healing instead of 3.

That's what troubleshooting is all about: Start somewhere and narrow down the choices.
We have strange idling and copious smoke. Color? Only while idling? Noises? Car still driveable? Any other observations? Power loss? High water temperature? Open the hood and check the oil level and water level. Strange looking oil on the dipstick? Read the manual first if you are not sure where/how so you don't get burned.

We are remote diagnosing, this is akin to dowsing. Seek professional advice (I am not a licensed practitioner). May your engine health soon return.

Piddy · 09-02-2005, 03:43 PM

Well.... on closer inspection. There is a shitload of oil in the cylinders. Probably selling this POS.

Bernd · 09-03-2005, 07:06 AM

wow, cool. How did you find that, took out the spark plugs and they were oily black?

A car with the symptoms you described would be hard to sell, maybe it pays to get it repaired before - but then maybe it doesn't and you are better off dumping it cheaply.. .

chronoti · 09-03-2005, 08:34 AM

leaky valve seals if oil on the plugs or the spark plug tube seals if the oil comming in from the tube

mikeym · 09-03-2005, 10:04 PM

i have that problem... i have a little bit of oil by my plugs... anything to worry about? i cleaned it up good... its not a major problem... but does this get worse? if so i'll prolly have to get a new valve seal sometime...

~mikeym

Piddy · 09-03-2005, 10:33 PM

Yea.... I was thinking valve seals or the head gasket. Going to tear the top end off Wednesday or so. How hard of a job is the valve seals? Price? I know its a pretty common problem.