Forum:
Hi . Iv just put a diposit on a j reg sporttrak, and im wondering if ive done the right thing??
It looked fine all around and underneath and no leaks in the engine bay. but when the salesman started it up I noticed white smoke. The car had been stood and the battery was flat, also it was very low on fuel, so low as it did run out. I know white smoke is normally condensation especially as it was very cold but as soon as it was started? im worried its the head gasket as I didnt check the oil cap... I was going to but for some reason didn't?
What do you guys think? This is my 1st Daihatsu and 1st 4x4.
White smoke is water, and
White smoke is water, and sporties are prone to head gaskets going, or the head cracking internally if the cooling system is not correctly maintained.
It is often difficult to diagnose the problem in the early stages, but easier as it develops.
Ask the salesman to give you a guarantee IN WRITING that the vehicle is free from mechanical faults. If you subsequently get a cracked head or blown head gasket you have up to six months to complain. Under the Sale of Goods act the onus is on the seller to prove the fault was not there, and not on you to prove it was.
Under no circumstances buy the vehicle as "sold as seen" as this mitigates the seller, and keep all advertisements. Print them off, particularly if it states or infers the vehicle is free of defects, and you have the evidence you need.
White smoke can occur when
White smoke can occur when first started up, perfectly normal. The "look under the oil cap" does not tell you if the head gasket is shot. Even if there is mayo sludge under the cap, it could just be condenstation from lots of short trips where the engine does not reach full operating temperture. (Had this on a few of my cars, especailly 8v Vauxhalls) Too may people swear by this and it is NOT proof the head gasket is shot. Have a look on the dipstick and see if there's any mayo there. Of course a sniff test and compression test could answer your concerns. If the car runs fine and the cooling system is behaving itself and not bubbling and overheating, theres no mayo in the oil and no white smoke once warmed up chances are its ok..............?
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2004 Yellow YRV Turbo
Thanks for the replys. Im
Thanks for the replys. Im goind to go back tomorrow unannounced to check the dip stick and have a chat with him. I'm really unsure about it now Im thinking about it so i may just walk away....