1990 Plymouth Laser White Smoke After Heads

1990 MITSUBISHI
Avatar
KERRY JOHN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ive been having trouble figuring out wha is wrong with my laser. First I broke the timing belt, bent some valves. Got it replaced all new gaskets and such. drove it for about 1 week no problems at all, then all of a sudden white smoke comimmg from under hood, from exhaust, every where. What is wrong??? I have heard that when you replace heads, you also need to buy new head bolts because they stretch ouer time.Is that true? do you think this is my problem?
Feb 15, 2006 at 9:00 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
PEPPERMRJ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,158 POSTS
When replacing a lot of later model cylinder head new bolts are required as they are designed to stretch to lock themselves in place. If you did not do this and did not use a torque angle wrench then it is possible the head gasket is leaking.
Feb 16, 2006 at 12:58 AM
Avatar
KERRY JOHN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
so do you think if I replace the head gasket and get new bolts my problem should be fixed? I sure hope so, I havent been able to drive my car for a couple of months. I'm readyto get back behind the wheel. I love that car.thank you :
Feb 16, 2006 at 5:49 PM
Avatar
PEPPERMRJ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,158 POSTS
Do a compression test first to be sure. If you do repace the gasket again follow the manual exactly.
Feb 17, 2006 at 1:37 AM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Suggested Repair

Perform a compression test before another teardown. If the head gasket is leaking, replace it with new stretch-type head bolts and follow the service manual torque and torque-angle procedure exactly.

Conversation Summary

After a timing-belt failure bent valves, the owner replaced the cylinder heads and gaskets on a 1990 Plymouth Laser. It ran for about a week, then white smoke appeared from under the hood and the exhaust. The owner asked whether reused head bolts that stretch could be the cause. The expert said later-model head bolts are designed to stretch and that skipping new bolts and a torque-angle procedure can let the head gasket leak. They advised a compression test first and, if the gasket is replaced again, following the manual exactly.

Related Repair Questions

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle