In a message dated 3/15/2000 11:27:59 PM Eastern Standard Time,
kpdii@mindspring.com writes:
<< started puffing large amounts of
> white smoke out off the tail pipe when we stopped at a
> light. the owner said it happened because of the choke
> and that it would clear up. well it did but i don't
> know if he was covering up a major problem. also the
> engine was covered in oil coming from the head gasket
> (i guess). >>
Oscar:
That sounds a lot like a head gasket--relatively easy fix--but always
possible that the head is cracked, etc. If I bought the car, I think I would
first replace the head gasket (after checking it first, of course) and have
the head magnafluxed for cracks). Used heads are not really expensive--I
saw one in the recent MiniMania catalog for $50. I think I would be glad the
engine was RUNNING and not sitting around freezing up or in unknown
conditioin. These engines are really easy to fix and overhaul. This gives
you a strong bargaining chip to bring the price down.
I am assuming everything else functioned acceptably, like no deep engine
knocks, tranny shifted smoothly, etc.
--David C.
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