1993 Nissan Sentra Car runs badly

JAY1PIZZA

MEMBER
1993 NISSAN SENTRA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
221,000 MILES

Hi, I need help with diagnosing my son's car problem.
The problem stem from the car being ran idle in park with about a fourth tank of gas until it overheated or shut off. The oil was burnt so I changed it and the coolant had turned white and I changed all that too plus bought a new radiator because the plastic part had melted and had a small hole that leaked. All fluids are where they suppose to be as I double check. The oil looks a little brown but maybe because it has sat up almost 3 months but it is not not milky or anything like that. When I crank it it idles fine but when I drove it about a mile or two runs rough. It kinda stalls when I come to stop and reaccelerate. It is kinda missing a little bit too.I check the spark plugs, fuel pump. Etc. There are no leaks anywhere.
do you think it is something electrical or oxy sensor or something? Do you think there is engine damage, valve or piston head gasket or something? Also there is white smoke coming from the exhaust. What would be the best way to determine and do you think after an incident like this the car is finish? Someone suggested a compression(how much is it $?) Test and would this pinpoint the main problem or all? Can the compression be done same day? The car has been well maintained, but what can I say about teenagers.
Thanks Bob dusable

3 Replies

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello

Based off of what you are saying, the white smoke is a blown head gasket. As you said, it overheated. The head gaskets need to be replaced. Also, the heads resurfaced as they may have warped from overheating. While they are off and the machinist has them they need to be reworked. The valves check, ground or replaced, new valve seals etc.

I would also before you do this, go to Auto Zone or O'Reilly's and for free they can pull the codes to the car. Most important. Once they check your codes, if they find something and you don't get it fixed and need to get back with us, please make sure you tell us exactly what the code was, number and all. Example, if the code was E0568 O2 Sensor bad. Then make sure you give us all of that. While there for free also they can bring their tester out and check your battery, alternator and starter.

You will probably notice you are loosing anti freeze.....

As for more engine damage..... Hard to say. If it got as hot as you said... You may have piston ring damage too. The safest thing... May be to replace the engine unless you can get a good deal on the pistons, rings etc being checked too.

As for the compression test, you can do that and borrow the tool from AZ or O'Reilly's while you are there. However, white smoke is a blown head gasket.

Hope this helps