3.0 smoking surf!!

[sandgirl1975]

Hi there,
i'm after some advice please. I have a '94' 3.0 kzn130 surf. Recently it has started puffing white smoke and missfiring slightly when starting, it also seems a lot worse when switched off for 5mins then started again (people disappear in the smoke)! It is also loosing water. There is no sign of oil in the water or water in the oil. On tick over with the rad cap off it does bubble though. Also the main feed that comes in for the glow plug's, when i hold a tester on it.. it just flick's up and straight back down again. I've popped a couple of plugs out and they light up fine. I've tried a different glow plug relay and that made no difference. Any advice would be much appreciated. Cheers.

[stormforce]

Hi there,
i'm after some advice please. I have a '94' 3.0 kzn130 surf. Recently it has started puffing white smoke and missfiring slightly when starting, it also seems a lot worse when switched off for 5mins then started again (people disappear in the smoke)! It is also loosing water. There is no sign of oil in the water or water in the oil. On tick over with the rad cap off it does bubble though. Also the main feed that comes in for the glow plug's, when i hold a tester on it.. it just flick's up and straight back down again. I've popped a couple of plugs out and they light up fine. I've tried a different glow plug relay and that made no difference. Any advice would be much appreciated. Cheers.

Hiya Claire and welcome to the forum and to another Cornishwoman.
Has the surf been serviced oil/filters rad cap thermostat etc.Thats what i would go thru and do first and also check to see if there are any airlocks in the cooling system

[sledge]

i might be wrong but it could be the head gasket or the head on it's way.

[stormforce]

i might be wrong but it could be the head gasket or the head on it's way.

thats what i would of said if everything else was ok.
Get the head pressure tested

[sandgirl1975]

Hi Richard,
thanks for your quick response. I gave it a filter service back in December. I will order up a new rad cap and thermostat tomorrow and see how it is after that. Thanks again, Claire.

[stormforce]

Hi Richard,
thanks for your quick response. I gave it a filter service back in December. I will order up a new rad cap and thermostat tomorrow and see how it is after that. Thanks again, Claire.

If you need any help anytime then give us a shout as i'm only just up the road.
Just make sure when fitting the thermostat that the rubber seal is fitted proper and that the thermostat goes in the same way up as the old one came out.
The thermostat can be a bit of a swine to get out and you will find a 10mm deep socket is better for getting to the bottom bolt which you cant see and only feel

[sandgirl1975]

If i have any problems i'll get back on here in a day or two! My fear is head gasket or worse still head cracked. Fingers crossed it won't be that serious. Thanks again, Claire.

[stormforce]

once the thermostat has been changed just make sure all the air locks are out the system.Both heaters set on hot rad cap off with engine on tickover and then keep topping up as neededonce you think all the air is out take it for a spin then let it cool and check again.If possible leave the rad cap off over night so any air left in the system can escape from the filler cap ,anPut the rad cap on the drivers seat so you don't forget to put it back on later or following day.

[sledge]

as far as the water goes you could have a small split somewhere and when the water preasure build it pushes it out. as i found out.

[sandgirl1975]

Hi there,
i'll get the thermostat and rad cap changed, then have a good look around once the engine is up to normal operating temperature for any signs of a leak. thanks for your help, Claire.

[MattF]

When you say it's losing water, how much exactly?

[marky]

She's been taking the SURF out Drinking at the Bucket o Blood pub no doubt or the Connuba inn

[sandgirl1975]

Hi Matt,
i would say it's losing about 1 litre a day. Cheers, Claire.

[marky]

Hi Matt,
i would say it's losing about 1 litre a day. Cheers, Claire.

Clare have you seen any evidence of a leak

[Sancho]

Cheery soul that I am, I'd say by all means change your rad cap and thermostat, but start saving for a new head.