jason1781

Last month I bought an 86 crx HF for commuting to work because of its amazing mileage. When I was driving home on the freeway the other day, I noticed the temp gauge was all the way up, but I drove home since I was a few minutes away. I checked the oil and coolant and it looked ok.

The next morning when I was warming the car up, white smoke was coming out of the exhaust. It filled the street with smoke. So I figure the head gasket is blown. I also checked the coolant for a frothy oil mixture but I didn't see any oil in the coolant.

Would my first step be a compression test to see if it really is the head gasket?

I don't want to take the car to a shop and I don't want to get rid of it. I'm not a mechanic, but I have an understanding of how engines work. I've changed brakes, shocks/struts, water pumps, timing belts, but I have never done major engine work. If it is the head gasket, would it be a job I could do myself?

Top Ramen

White smoke = coolant.

Head gasket is easy if you have basic mechanical skills and the part itself is cheap. If you are nervous about it, grab a Haynes (sp?) or similar type manual.

jason1781

I am about to do a compression test on the engine but I have a question on how to do it. First I run the engine for 15 minutes, then disconnect the ignition coil, then take the plugs out, and last hold the throttle open and test. This engine is carburated so wouldn’t fuel go into the engine during the compression test? How would I stop fuel from entering on a carburated engine?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks