I dont know what is wrong

[nikster87]

I have a 1991 toyota camry and im having problems starting it. It never fails to start but it takes forever to start. Also when i start it white smoke goes everywhere and it smells like oil. I also get horrible gas mileage. I recenlty changed the oil filter. Any suggestions.

[Brian R.]

You may have a blown head gasket. Check to see if your oil looks like yuck

[Cammy_01]

Originally Posted by nikster87

I have a 1991 toyota camry and im having problems starting it. It never fails to start but it takes forever to start. Also when i start it white smoke goes everywhere and it smells like oil. I also get horrible gas mileage. I recenlty changed the oil filter. Any suggestions.

Some condensation in the morning is normal.. especially now that it is colder, but should go away after a while.

Check the radiator coolant.. any oil in it, check the oil, is it milky white.. or normal looking? If so you have a problem.. if no then try a good tune up. Perform the tune up, cap, rotor, inspect plug wires and replace the plugs to try to fix the hard start. Inspect the plugs, do they look normal or fouled? Is it hard to start especially after it rains? A good indication you need a tune up.

It used to be in older cars with automatic transmissions that trans fluid would get sucked into the intake manifold via a faulty transmission modulator when the diaphram would bust allowing the trans fluid to be sucked into the intake, there is an enourmous amount of "white" smoke when this happens, but I suspect the Camry's are all electronicly controlled.. a 91 model might be either one.. usually a 4 speed auto will be electronically controlled. Might be worth checking. Let us know what you find..

[nikster87]

my dad recently changed the wires, cap, and rotor and i had my oil changed last weeek

[nikster87]

also my oil filter

[Cammy_01]

Hmmm, did you check the radiator fluid for oil and oil for radiator fluid contamination?

If that looks good and it still continues to smoke, I would suggest doing a leakdown test to see what condition the engine is in. You can do a compression check, but that will only show low compression if a serious problem exists in the engine.. the compression test does not show minor leakages.

The leakdown test will determine if its the valves, pistons/rings or head gasket that is leaking.. and the general over all condition of the engine. Buy this tool and follow the directions, you will need a compressor though if you do it yourself. This is a very nice unit, I have one myself and comes with a nice blow molded plastic case and you cant beat the price at $49 dollars.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=4317