8 replies to this topic

[Smithyster]

Yesterday i was driving up to close the ice cream van up , which is about a 5 minute drive. And as i was driving up, the car was not working properly to say the least. When i put my foot down in 3rd, it held back, and hardly gave me any power, and was all jittery. As i began to climb a very steady upwards hill (Not usually a problem by any means!) i was going along in 3rd, and the engine slowed right down, and i had no power, had to go into 1st to avoid stopping completely.

It was also smoking a lot, which i have had a problem with before, but she's having some gradual work done on her, which should sort it out. But it was smelling funny, and getting quite hot.

I got to wear i was going, locked up the van, and as i tried to start her up again, she would turn over but not 'ignite' (i like that word). I tried several times, but nope, judst a funny smell. I phoned a guy i know locally who is doing the work on my mini, nice chap, and he told me to put the choke back in and start it up with my foot on the gas pedal, this worked, and the car started. He said i had bladdered the engine.

I'm not confused about me bladdering it, but i don't get why it happened, i had the choke out on the way up because the car was hardly giving me any power, so thought that might help. But what I'd like to know is why it was hardly giving me any power, and was smoking a lot. Don't know if anyone can help just by this description?

Thanks in advance.
Sam

[miller 666]

if it was blue smoke then it means it is burning oil which is likely to be a seal that a cant remember its name also it might be overheating as well although the lack of power might be a problem with the jetting

[Smithyster]

I'm pretty sure it was white smoke, so not sure what difference it makes (I'm a novice!).

[Boomboy77]

white smoke is water in the chambers, sounds like ya headgasket mate

[Smithyster]

Oh right, balls. Expensive to have fixed etc.?

Thanks

[Boomboy77]

1st step is to get a compression check done.

Take all the plugs out (dont forget to label the leads, number 1 is at the radiator end!) if you have a push in tester have someone hold the trottle wide open and crank til the reading doesnt change. If you have the screw in one then same but you can do it your self. Write down all the figures and you will probably get a low one which will show the head gasket has failed between the cylinder and water jacket.

headgasket set is about 30 quid, easy enough to do yourself with a haynes manual and a torque wrench.

[Jammy]

Better than a compression test, try and get a leak down test done.

Sounds like the headgasket has gone, but once you rectify that I recommend you get to a rolling road.

[Smithyster]

Oh right ok, I will try and do this, as well as talk to my mechanic about the headgasket, because although it may sound simple to you, i don't have a clue lol. Thanks

[Smithyster]

Hi again guys,. i forgot to add before, that i have a 998 engine but a 1275 cylinder head. Don't know if that makes any difference to what might be the problem?