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Perplexed......

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Silverghost

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Brief overview - last fall started getting white "steam" out the tail pipe. It come on very suddenly. My initial "diagnosis" was a tank of cheap gas from cheap gas station - ie. water in the tank. Checked the dipstick, no signs of water. Looked in radiator, no signs of oil. Poured Stabil, and a gas dry product in tank. Didn't seem to make a difference. Parked for the winter. Before spring start, drained a couple of gallons from the undisturbed tank, what came out looks like only gas to me. Started up the car, same "steam" as before winter. No anti-freeze/coolant sweet smell detectable. Borrowed pressure tester from friend. Pressurized to 17 PSI - needle rock steady for 10 minutes+. No hissing sounds to be heard. Pulled the plugs, 1,2 and 4 were "normal", plug three was jet black, so I replaced them all. Still plenty of "steam". Help??
 
My gut feeling? Unburnt gasoline...... Plug three indicates over-rich running, so that carburetor is probably out of whack. Stuck float.

If I'm wrong then please tell me but that is where you should start looking.
 
If it has any sort of PCV system, it may be picking up moisture that has condensed in the crankcase while sitting. This is being drawn into the intake manifold. A small amount like this won't necessarily show up on the dipstick.
It may just need a "good run" of 100 miles or so to pull the excess moisture from the crankcase.
I vote for an Italian Tune-Up!
grin.gif
 
Nial, no PCV system....removed by previous owner(s). Just side cover tube with a small K&N filter on the top. And the condition started before sitting for the winter, during regular use last fall.

Steve, remedy for the stuck float?
 
Silverghost said:
Steve, remedy for the stuck float?
Click to expand...

start with a couple of sharp taps on the side with the big end of a screwdriver, often all you need.
 
JPSmit said:
Silverghost said:
Steve, remedy for the stuck float?
Click to expand...

start with a couple of sharp taps on the side with the big end of a screwdriver, often all you need.
Click to expand...

And if that doesn't get it, the tops of the fuel bowls can be removed, exposing all you need to see. What you may well find is that due to its sitting up for a spell, the ethanol may have played havoc with your needles and seats. You might want to go ahead and order new ones to have on hand. Make sure you get the needles tipped with Viton; much better luck with those.
 
Head crack. #3.
 
Evening. Around 1900 local!
 
No fair keeping secrets!

In the interest of science, y'all let us know what you find!
 
Silverghost said:
Brief overview - last fall started getting white "steam" out the tail pipe. It come on very suddenly.
Click to expand...

That is the biggest clue, Do ya Suppose it could be just a head gasket...


m
 
No secrets Mickey.....don't want to wear out my fingers or keyboard..... :smile:
 
No secrets Mickey.....don't want to wear out my fingers or keyboard..... :smile:
 
And I had a couple surprise guests drop by, so couldn't call. :shocked:
 
No worries....tonight's a quiet night on the home front if you have time... :smile:
 
Some irons still in the coals but if those get early attention I'll call. :wink:
 
Shelter'd life, Lynn? :jester:

It's a: "take-it-out-and-run-th'-snot-out-of-it!" routine.

Blow out the cobwebs.

Put yer BOOT in it, laddie!
 
Lynn Kirkpatrick said:
It 'tis a sheltered life here in Indiana. We're just getting word of Kim Kardashians's wedding. They make such a lovely couple.
Click to expand...

Who is Kim Kardashian? Does she have an Italian car?
 
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