My mate has a MY93 Impreza WRX(import),it cut out while idling, now it won't start and it sends a lot of white smoke out the exhaust when turning it over, usualy white smoke from exhaust is either turbo or headgasket, how can you tell the diference between the two.

P.S If its the turbo I've been offered a bugeye turbo, will it fit?

 

Check the underside of the oil filler cap, if there is a mayonaise-like substance in there it means there is water in the oil, which means headgasket.

 

No Mayo, looks like turbo then.

 

White smoke on cranking?

Suspect Unburnt Fuel: either mega rich or its flooded or it's got diesel in it.

 

Oh dear, now you got him thinking, he's gone red through to the ears with embarasment, the car's at a local garage so were off to check it and to try and jog his memory to find which pump he was using... i'll be back soon

 

It could be just water vapour still in the exhaust or condensation.

Make sure the car is running at warm temperatures, then see if you have any white smoke from the exhaust. Check the coolant levels too.

 

It wouldn't run for very long on diesel though...it would be a case of going down the road for half a mile before dying.

But it does depend how much was put in - if was a splash and dash (say £10 of diesel where there is already £10 petrol already in the tank) It could run for alot longer.

The smell of diesel out the exhaust fumes will be very obvious too. If you can't smell it, then it's not diesel.

 

IT WON'T START! LOL

 

It's diesel. He has now told me he had the car running while filling up but then it died while filling, so it's not run a lot really.

Now the other problem is getting rid of the stuff, if I drain the tank, the lines and change the fuel filter will it be ok or do I need to do more?

 

Yep draining tank and line+filter is enough...just need a full tank of fresh petrol to make sure any reminents are diluted.

Now if I still had my Nissan sunny I would have took the old fuel off your hands and disposed of it for you (I used to run it off fuel from peoples petrol pump "mishaps")

Run the fuel pump 2 or 3 times after re-filling before cranking (ignition on, wait for pump to stop, ignition off, wait for 10secs then ignition on again and repeat - may have to deactive immobilser again if one is fitted) This will purge any air and allow it start easier.

Maybe wise to aviod thrashing or high boost for long periods until you've emptied the first tank as diesel does lower the octane of petrol, so it may pink or detonate more.

 

Yes, you will need to do more. Tie his hands behind his back, take the keys off him and you fill the car up from now on.

 

Had the car running while filling it up

 

ah well he'll have learnt his lesson now, can't get a new fuel filter till thursday, thanx for your help guys

 

white smoke from exhaust on idling could be number of things. when my 95 wrx was doin it .it needed new oxygen sensor . when it was done few weeksago cost about 200 quid and is now ok.

 

O2 sensor plus fitting should only be about £100.00. About £80 for the bit and they're pissball to fit, apparently.