1991 Mustang 2.3l lots of white smoke coming from exhaust? Cause? Mystery!
Hello all,
I just picked up a 1991lx 2.3l mustang and when I first got it the radiator was completely empty. I went to fill up the radiator and water just started pouring from the water pump. I replaced the radiator and the waterpump along with the timing belt and serpentine belt. Now when I start it up, there is a LOT of white smoking coming from the exhaust. I suspect a head gasket but it confuses me as the engine seems to run VERY well. It idles perfect, revs very quick, it is very responsive, so I thought I would post this here before I replace the head gasket to see if anyone has see this problem?
My plans for the car is to fabricate a turbo kit for this car and have a economical daily driver that is lots of fun. The car is a automatic and I have started the research on getting a C4 into the car so I have some plans for it but for now I need to figure out this white smoke.
Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I currently do not have a compression tester but plan to pick one up very soon to test the compression. What is normal for ompression on these engines?
If you are going to turbo it, I would tear it down. Look at the rings and pistons. Replace the head gasket. If it is going to be a reliable daily driver, you should start with a solid base. It sounds like you have it worked out, but if it were me, I would take the same money and buy a mild crate motor. You can spend less...all said and done, have more power, more torque and less tuning/adjusting issues. I see 350hp motors for like $3500.
__________________
97 Cobra-03 Cobra t56 and alum DS, SPEC111 clutch, FRPP 4:10,T&J Performance Forged 4v(8.9:1), Manley rods, Novi 2000 w/ Fast Track A/A I/C, Barry Grant Fuel syst., BBK longtubes and H-pipe, MSD ignition, Detroit True Track, Magnaflows, 315 NT01's on 17 x 11's, KB BAS, SCT tune and about a million other things. 575 RWHP. Going into the shop this winter, looking for 650 RWHP.
Are you losing coolant when you drive it? White exhaust sounds like steam, and since you said it was dry when you bought it, you may have a good chance of a cracked head. Be sure to have it checked when you tear down for the gasket change.
I think i will be taking the head off this weekend and checking it out. I just want to get the car driving now to find out what else needs attention before throwing a turbo at it. I have had the car for about a week now and have not driven it except onto the trailer to bring it home. At that time it didnt smoke or anything, probably because it didnt have any water in it. hehe. I was just thinking that maybe there was something simple that you guys would know to check prior to removing the head.
I have been reading alot about the guys that are turboing these 2.3ls and making some crazy power! I would just like to have something a little more peppy and get good gas mileage. Where I live there isnt a ton of places to open up a car so a 500hp car would really do me no good. I think if i could get 250 - 300hp that would be awesome.
[quote=sleeper_inc;906186If you want to turbo it rebuild with stronger rods [/quote]
I know this was an older comment, but the rods are the same on the n/a cars as well as the turbo ones. Same crank as well. And yes, go forged pistons or you will later.
As for more power and reasonable, it all depends on what one would call reasonable.
A 3" downpipe and exhaust is the first thing on the list. LA3 EEC and 35# injectors is a good mod too.
1991 Mustang 2.3l lots of white smoke coming from exhaust? Cause? Mystery! 
