I own an 88 ef hatch.
My problems are:
While driving i will experience backfiring and along with that comes my car will bog down and even as i give it more gas it just doesnt go and it seems like the car is going to die. I can then lightly give it gas and it will creep back to normal.

Also, im blowing white smoke which i suspect to be bad rings. i also hear a bubbling/leaking whilst driving occasionally.

I NEED ANSWERS PLEASEEEEE. Any feedback is beyond appreciated.

 

firstly, is your CEL on? have you checked for codes? have you checked your oil/coolant? have you checked compression?

 

My CEL is on. due to work I havent been able to check. Though im off tomorrow and planned to do so.
As for the compression im unaware of how to do so. Suggestions? as for oil i blow white smoke and im burning oil not leaking as far as me observing and I account that to most likely being a worn piston ring.

 

u can rent a compresion tester from an autoparts store and its pretty straight forward. i once had that bubling sound problem before and it was the heater core.

 

get the code by reading the ECU LED. check your oil for white sludge and the coolant for oil in it, when the car runs, rev the engine with your hand and squeeze the upper radiator hose, if it increases in pressure (often you can actually see it balloon), then you have a combustion chamber leak.