BM08

The old mans escort(1.6 zetec) suddenly started to run funny, it was fine when accelerating, and did not hesitate etc infact it seemed to go just the same as usual, but when you stop and the engine is idling it sounded rough and it made the car shake/ vibrate abit.

I was thinking if it was the head then it would not accelerate cleanly either? and would be underpowered? Hes had to drive so hes been using it for about 4 days like this until the mechanic could look.......

Mechanic guy reckons it is the head, but i dont trust anyone, hence asking on here aswell.

john_p_b

iTrader: (4)

doesn't sound like a head gasket failure to me.

focusv8

Coil-pack or Valve/s

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wirralphil

Do us a video with the N95 8gig and we might be able to help.

martynhomer01

iTrader: (1)

probly a coil pack.
does it overheat or lose oil / water? if so, then start looking for head gasket problems. if not, then it could be something as siple as a lead or plug

BM08

No it hasnt been overheating, and no apparent loss of water or oil.

But the mechanic guy says there is abit of white smoke coming from the exhaust, this is why they said head gasket?

Ad4m RST

How have you got 23k posts on a car forum and still not have a clue

martysmartie

iTrader: (1)

Easiest ways to tell is to look at oil filler cap for signs of mayonnaise where the two have mixed if the coolant level hasn't dropped than won't be the HG, also EXCESSIVE steam from exhaust can be a sign.

If the head cracked internally then efficiently it's the same principle as the Head gasket going.

Martin

the mk1 kid

Mechanic should put a leak-down tester on it...

Tom

focusv8

Or buy a Haynes manual.

.

john_p_b

iTrader: (4)

use a different machanic! no such thing as "white smoke" it's called steam and depending on how bad it is that could simply be down to short runs and the exhaust being full of water from condensation. if it's not losing water then it's very unlikely to be a head gasket failure.

sounds like you have a missfire which could be coilpack, leads, plugs or depending how old the car is could be sticky valve as i seem to recall they had a bit of a issue with that at one time?

Jamie@FastFord

That sounds like the problem to me too. Would assume the 'white smoke' is actually unburnt fuel from the misfire. Does it smell of petrol or smell rich at all??

Graceland

Ok so if a vehicle presented with "white smoke" to you would you fuck it off and say "no such thing" ?

No, If you had half an idea about you then you would start with a compression test as white smoke is a good indication of failed piston rings. Also if on a turbocharged vehicle white smoke is an indication of exhaust side oil seal failure in the bearing core.

Karlos G

iTrader: (4)

Some confused people here lol

White smoke (steam as pointed out) is water.... HG, condensation, cracked head, etc..
Black smoke is unburnt fuel.... Rich, running on 3, etc..
Blue smoke is oil.... Turbo seals (if turbo charged), stem seals, rings, etc..