1991 Chevy Blazer Lacks Power

1991 CHEVROLET BLAZER
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LORDVADER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My 1991 Chevy Blazer with 220,000 miles and a 4.3 liter V6 engine lacks power, studders to gain speed when I step on the gas and every time I start it I get a puff of white smoke out of the exhaust pipe. It drives fine once it gets up to 65 MPH and drives less than perfect at 55 mph. I am opting for an engine overhaul, could it be just the head gasket?
Apr 4, 2006 at 3:37 AM
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KENB79764
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52 POSTS
the white smoke is an indication of coolant and head gasket. with the mileage on your vehicle, a complete overhaul of the engine would be the best way to go, as the head gasket would only postpone the inevitable anyway.
Apr 5, 2006 at 2:23 AM

Suggested Repair

White smoke points to coolant entering the engine from a failed head gasket. Given 220,000 miles, a complete engine overhaul is recommended rather than a head-gasket-only repair, which would likely only delay further failure.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1991 Chevy Blazer with a 4.3L V6 and 220,000 miles reports low power, stuttering when accelerating, and a puff of white smoke at startup. It runs better at 65 mph than at 55 mph, and the owner asked whether only the head gasket needs repair. The expert said the smoke indicates coolant and a head gasket problem, and recommended a full engine overhaul because a gasket repair alone would only postpone further failure.

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