Hey guys, as the title says I have an LS motor and tranny swapped 94 4 door DX. It is leaking a bit of coolant, the guy I got it from said it was a head gasket, however it seems to be something else. I've driven it for 2 weeks and never had to refill the coolant or oil. The coolant is blue, this normal? The car will blow a little bit of white smoke until the motor warms up, then none at all. It looks to be the thermostat housing gasket, but could this cause it to smoke at first? Also, even when the radiatior is completely released of all pressure, it pushes coolant out of where the cap goes. I'm thinking maybe I have a partially stuck thermostat? The car never gets hot though, it only goes up to below half way on the gauge. Also, i'm only getting about 180 miles to a full tank of gas. I think its a 9 gallon tank, but was told I should get about 250-300 on a tank. Could too big of a spark plug gap cause this drop in mileage? What else can I try, the car isn't running rich or lean. Thanks for any help everyone...

 

check your fuel filter. and yea your thermostat could be the problem you can pick up a new one for like 6 bucks at an autozone or parts store... try those 2 things and then see if your still having that problem.

 

Fuel filter and t-stat will be done tonight, so i'll try that. Could the wrong gap on my plugs be hurting my mileage too?

 

Worn or wrong plugs definitely affect your mileage and a dirty air filter does as well. Also make sure you are using the recomended oil type.

 

I tested my t-stat, its fine. I'm doing plugs and a fuel filter tonight, bump for any more ideas...

 

So I changed the plugs and fuel filter, and sealed the coolant neck that the upper radiator hose attaches to. Now the car only smokes under heavy acceleration, and its white smoke. I know that means burnt coolant, so i'm thinking its a head gasket now. What else should I replace while I have the head off, other than the head studs? Also, what kind of MPG or miles to a tank should I expect from an LS 4 door eg? Shoot me some more ideas...thanks everyone.

 

build for boost? =D

 

That's the plan my friend! I'm just tight on cash right now, so trying to keep it low budget for now. Shoot me some boost ideas as well...I have a spare LS head i'm going to build on the side.

 

while you have the head off, possibly do a valve adjustment (check valve clearances, adjust as necessary)

 

Anywhere I can search how to adjust the valves properly? Would it be ok to use the existing head studs and then replace them when I go to boost it? I'll need a different head gasket for boost too...