Couple of Basic Questions

[woofhaven]

I don't think the white smoke is a head problem. You may have sticky rings. Lemme guess, you get the smoke -- sometimes -- if you rev the engine after starting the car. If you drive the care for a half an hour, you either don't experiment with revving the engine or you don't notice the smoke. If that's what's happening, your problem is definitely sticky rings.

If that is the case, the solution is to pull the pistons, replace the rings and make sure the pistons get a good cleaning. The cylindar walls should be honed at the same time. While it's all apart, might as well let a machine shop clean up your valve seats. No need for them to resurface the head unless the head is warped.

If it were me and I bought it for the purpose of learing how to take care of cars, I'd pull the engine and do a complete overhaul. Whatever is causing the smoke, you'll get at it.

[geoff.doctor]

Woofhaven, I was all ready to do that however currently it is not smoking anymore after the radiator flush, so I'll see where I am at in a few days. Also, the vents in the center of the car for the AC/head were all busted up when I bought the car. I just got new ones, and I was wondering how do I remove the dash? As it looks like that is the only possible way to get the new ones in. Thanks in Advance!

[AccordCodger]

and bought this one as a project. I want to experiment with it so I can learn how to do this stuff on my nicer car (Nissan Maxima SE). If I blow up the engine, I'll sell the leather seats and deck and get all of my money back.

Fair enough. But don't forget to factor in the money you spend to get to the point where all you've got are seats and a deck to sell. (Good) Honda parts aren't cheap. So even if you you put your own time down to experience, you'll still be forking over some significant cash.

[AccordCodger]

If that's what's happening, your problem is definitely sticky rings.

If that is the case, the solution is to pull the pistons, replace the rings

I don't necessarily agree with your diagnosis, woofhaven, but why REPLACE sticking rings? At least try an additive first. Now, worn or broken rings are another matter. And they often go along with worn or broken pistons.

[geoff.doctor]

Codger, I am definantly watching out for that. I am listing the car for $1000 as soon as I fix the valve gasket (i think?),and I am sure it will sell around here, I live in a college town, so theres lots of kids looking for cheap rides.

[woofhaven]

Originally Posted by AccordCodger

I don't necessarily agree with your diagnosis, woofhaven, but why REPLACE sticking rings? At least try an additive first.

I can't argue with that. I'm curious, though, what additive you know of that could address that problem?

Also, do you have any thoughts on why his smoke would disappear after flushing the radiator? That sounds wierd!

[geoff.doctor]

I thought it was weird too, but the radiator had obviously never been flushed. Ot took 11 cycles before the water was clear, and the first cycle when drained looked like coffee with milk.

[AccordCodger]

what additive you know of that could address that problem?

I can't give you a brand name, but the parts store should be able to find it if you tell them "I think my piston rings are gummed up"

[AccordCodger]

Hmm. It sounds like the cooling system had plain water, not anti-freeze in it. Anti-freeze contains anti-corrosion chemicals and shouldn't get that gunky.

[geoff.doctor]

Ok its for sale! $1200 and I have had 11 calls the first two days! another problem however, smoke comes when the dipstick is pulled? Any idea why? the valve cover gasket was just replaced.

[AccordCodger]

That DOES sound like rings! You're getting blow-by.

[Igovert500]

Just for the record. Being that there was some confusion. Burning coolant = white smoke
Burning oil = bluish-white smoke
Running too rich = black smoke