1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Oil leak? Thermostat? Or Valve Seal

1998 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
125,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
Avatar
DAN1982
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi. I have a problem with my Eclipse. It was burning oil before, i see some white smoke coming out of the exhaust alot at idle, and only certain times at highway speeds. But This was fine and good, I was buying a quart every month or so and now my water temp goes up at idle like crazy, It goes all the way up and it goes down at highway speeds. Recently I refilled coolant and it still goes up a little bit maybe 10% over the middle(where it normall was) but at the stop light it goes up fast. And white smoke comes on at random times. Thanks
Jul 26, 2009 at 8:30 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
Advertisement
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi dan1982,

You have 2 different problems and they are :
1. Oil consumption and grey smoke. The most likely cause would be worn valve stem seals and replacing them would cause a reduction of smoke and oil consumption by at least 60 %.

2. Insufficient coolant in system. Seems you have coolant losses issues and when topping up, you need to bleed the system. Recheck the coolant level in the radiator when engine is cold.
If coolant level is low, top it up, start engine without closing radiator cap. After running for a few minutes, top up coolant level when it drops and once level maintains, close radiator cap and retest.

Check if both cooling fans comes on when AC is turned ON.
Jul 26, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Advertisement