Ok I have a guy with a 88 ef hatch(dx). Has a b18(ls) that smokes at idle and when you drive it. Also has corbeau(sp) seats and the car is gutted. It could use a paint job and cleaned up. First is it worth the 1000 even with it smoking? We think its bad rings. He hasnt compression checked it yet. The car still pulls hard and runs good. It is white smoke. It does it at idle and when you get on it when your driving it. You think this is just the rings? Could it be somthing else? Please give me some advice so I know if this car is worth buying or should I look for somthing else.

 

I'd buy it. It could be the rings or the valve guides, but either way can be fixed. I'd do it!

 

if its white smoke it could be a head gasket, but ya id buy it

 

Ok I talked to him again and he said he replaced the head gasket thinking thats what it is. He said the ecu is throughing up a code for the idle air control valve(think thats what he said) and he is going to replace this to see if its the problem. Could this be it? Sounds to me like it would be more the rings, but I am not a mechanic.

 

if it was the rings it'd be burning oil like a modafukka...so check that aspect!

 

ok thanks man i will check that out.

 

If its smoking white then you are burning coolant, which is a classic sign for a blown head gasket. Bad rings will cause a lot of bluish smoke.

 

Possibly a cracked head from overheating?