Newbie Issues

[ospreychief]

So here's the skinny,

I bought a 1991 Plymouth laser that has the Mitsubishi 2.0 turbo in it from the same year. I knew it had problems but it was a steal! The following are a list a problems that I seem to be having and I think that somehow they are all connected:

-White smoke pours out pretty heavily from the engine. It smells like exhaust. The oil is black and the car does not seem to be leaking the oil. The white smoke does come out of the exhaust. Under a hunch a bought a compression tester and my readings were the exact same on cylinders 1 & 2, but three was a little lower and four was quite a bit lower. There is a bit of oil around the engine. Could it Possibly be the head gasket? I was also told that the turbo gasket may play a part in this one.
-The car will idle great when I first started it. After running for a time (5-10 Minutes) she starts to idle a little rough and very low rpms. The cable was loose so I tightened that but it still seemed to drop in RPMs. She seemed to surge at times too.

Let me know what ya think. I can't wait to get to work on her.

 

[interex]

I think the smoke problem could be oil passing through your turbo... Just a hunch.

 

[bluetlr2001]

The smoke could be oil selas in the turbo or it could be bad rings or bad valve seals, or it could be a head gasket. And you say it doesnt leak oil but there is oil around the motor so something is leaking. Post up what you got on your compression test so we can see the numbers. Also search on how to do a leak down test also it will help eliminate a few things. And you idle problem could be a vacuum line off somewere it could be your tps sensor or it could be your isc motor. If you search on here you can find how to test those thing also. I dont remember how off the top of my head or i would tell you how. Also if you havent i would do a boost leak test and that will help you find a vacuum line if 1 is off or broken

 

[90-DSM-TSI-AWD]

No pictures?
Get some!!!!!! asap.

 

[Calan]

I would simply do a complete maintenance overhaul on it if it was me, especially if it has been sitting for a while. Replace all fluids, belts, vac lines, and gaskets that you can get at. Research this site and do all the checks/adjustments to the timing, BISS, TPS, ICS, etc etc.

Here's why I say this: For one, it may fix a lot of your problems. Second, any remaining issues you have will be much easier to diagnose and repair if you know all the basics are covered.

 

[SD99GST]

Definitely do some serious maintenance on the vehicle. Start with Plugs, Wires, and a oil change. Check your turbo for shaft play.... On the cylinders that came out low, do a wet test to it. Pour about a tea spoon of oil in the cylinder and then try the compression test again. If compression rises then probably bad rings. Does not mean that your Valve seals are good, but you definitely know your rings are not in good shape. Do you have a CEL on?

 

[ospreychief]

Thanks for everyone that replied. I will take all the advice in. I try to get some pics this weekend, but I got a feeling my rebuild starts tomorrow. Appreciate all the advice!