help!! white smoke out left exhaust

[volcomx]

hey i have a 1990 300zx non turbo..... when i go to start it when its cold, i have to hold the key turned over and pump the gas to start it, 10-15 sec everytime, then white smoke starts coming out...smoke comes out of the left exhaust and not the right, then as soon as i start to drive it keeps smoking only out the left side for about a half a mile it stops smoking all together... if get on it for 10-15 sec a couple times it stops the smoke faster,and when it stops,i can start it over and over no smoke and starts up no prob,until i let it set over night,also sometimes it will die at idle and wont start unless i hold the key turned over and pump the gas, i know a some stuff about cars, so i turned the ac on so the idle would go up and it hasnt died.. always wanted a z finally got one and wanna fix it low on the doe... so hope its not as bad as i think it is..any info will help thx everyone,,

[Ace2cool]

Are you sure it's smoke and not just condensation? What does it smell like?

As for pumping the gas to get it started, might be something in the fuel delivery system. Next time you go to start it, let the fuel pump go through its full cycle when you turn the key to "On". See if that helps it start a little easier.

When you take your gas cap off after driving, does it "hiss"?

[rioredstang]

You have a head gasket going bad. It is only seeping enough that it takes all night to get coolant in the cylinder. If you have a bad injector you can stand behind the car and let someone start the engine and smell if the smoke is coolant or gas.

[robomatic12]

Don't be to quick to assume the headgasket, it might just be normal condensation burning off if it dissapears after the first 5-10 mins of driving the car. Can you see coolant in the oil or vice versa? Does it overheat?

The stalling at idle is probably caused by a stuck or gummed up idle air control valve. Do a search and there are a few guides on how to clean them, adjust them or replace the unit.

[volcomx]

hey thanks for the reply's everyone....well it did hiss when i opened the gas cap... and i tryd letting the fuel cycle then try to start and it almost started...but what im really worried about is this white smoke...its not overheating or anything....ive been told by my friends dad he said the same thing rioredstangsaid head gasket....so i heard about this stuff called blue devil paid 60 bucks....and nothing it still smokes out the left side..... so i got it warmed up and took it on the freeway it didnt smoke... but when i really got on it i could kinda see smoke not super thick..but smoke so i found anther good spot to get on it and again light smoke..... so anyone know a cheap but good rebuild kit...lol... im thinking a swap could be easy.. so i looked in wreaking yard and no z but i found a 93 infinity j30... the motors look the same.... and infinity is made by nissan so it should swap right in i hope.... if anywone has a good idea please throw it out...thanks guys!!

[Ace2cool]

For starters, don't put "miracle quick fixes" in your oil. It only slows down the inevitable. Whatever damage has been done has been done and replacement is the only option... /soap box.

From a quick glance at NICO's tech pages on the J30, the J30 does have the VG30 engine. Idk if it's the E or the DE, but regardless, it is a VG30. So yes, it should swap in relatively easily.

My suggestion would be to pinpoint exactly what is making it smoke. So far, we have a bunch of "I think". Have you checked your oil/coolant to see if they're mixing? I am a firm believer that you should fix what you already have instead of swapping, especially if it's not going to be an upgrade.

[raremotive]

http://www.z1motorsports.com/p...d=505

Get your block to the the machine shop. Have them hone and build you a short block assembly. Call around for a quote. Honing should be about $11 per cylinder. Short Block is by what ever their book says.

Buying a new block sounds good, but you have potential problems. Like needing another rebuild.

Rebuilding guarantees you from it..

[Ace2cool]

Buying a new block sounds good, but you have potential problems. Like needing another rebuild.

Rebuilding guarantees you from it..

That's what I was trying to say, haha

[Pieceofsand]

not to thread jack or anything, but my z was smoking too before it died. should i get it fix too or should i drop a new engine in ???

[Ace2cool]

Dude, you already have a TT engine. Rebuild.

[car nut]

I could sell you an engine with 33k out of a '91 Z... Shipping would kill you though.

[Pieceofsand]

I could sell you an engine with 33k out of a '91 Z... Shipping would kill you though.

how much are you giving it away for?

Dude, you already have a TT engine. Rebuild.

it's got 123k on it, a bit old.

[car nut]

No idea yet, not sure of the value of a VG30DE. And no, it isn't a TT motor.