Been a long time lurker on this forum. Bought a 96 EK hatch about 2 years ago cause one of my buddies was heavy into the scene and I kinda fell in love with it. I had plans to make it into a daily but life hit me with a few detours. Well now my tags require smog and I know my car won't pass it. Now, it's time to get serious, I have no car experience and learning as I go.

I previously bought this from someone who tried to build it but failed. It has a D16Y8 in it and the problem is that once the engine is warm it sits low 200-400 rpm and feels like its losing power and shuts off. The exhaust expels white smoke in the back as well. There's a slew of things I need to work on this car, so I try to tackle the main problems first then aesthetics come after. Some of the rewiring was done horribly.

Here a few things I've done when I got the car.

1. Replace the spark plugs
2. Oil change
3. New coolant
4. Cleaned the IAVC
5. New battery
6. New alternator

I'm thinking its a vacuum leak or a timing issue. Anyone have experience with this type of problem? I attached pictures to show the engine bay.










Anyone have thoughts on what the potential problem is? I can give more detail pics of engine bay if needed.

-LL

 

Masin issue -- If the white smoke is coolant burning in the cylinders rather than water condensation due to cold weather, then the head gasket is likely blown.

Minor issue -- A low idle can be caused by a dirty IACV. Try cleaning it with brake cleaner.

 

I notice from the pics that it has a z6 head and intake manifold on it, which is from an obd1 car. I don't know how or if this relates to the issues you are having at all, but it's certainly something to note when diagnosing.

 

I will definitely check the head gasket.

Enlighten me, are z6 heads and intake manifold not suppose to be compatible with the block? Could it possible be ecu problem? I have the original ECU for the original engine, and a 98' ECU.