More Nissan engine Qs

[tlava]

I' (burning, I guess) about a quart or oil every 500 miles--is that a chemical fix (oil additive) that can help condition rings, or am I looking at a rebuild? If the latter, does that mean a reman engine, or have I just not found the right mechanic yet. Though I haven't done a compression test, engine has plenty of power... Also, on another note, I don't see any of the typical signs of a head gasket leak (bubbles in the radiator or res., loss of power, loss of antifreeze/coolant), though a bit of white smoke usually after starting (goes away) and, when sitting in traffic, the temp will sometimes go up to mid-way) --yet a mechanic using the chemical tester says I have hydrocarbons in the coolant. In any case, wondering about Blue Devil just in case...

[Maineah]

To me most of the additives are snake oil. If you are getting smoke on start up and after idling it's most likely valve guides and or valve seals. Midway temps at idle is nothing to worry about you just don't have the air movement that you would moving.

[Derek up North]

Getting a 'Compression Test' AND a 'Leakdown Test' will give you a much better idea what's going on in the engine.

http://autos.yahoo.c.../ques057_1.html

If I had to trust/try any of the 'Snake Oils', I'd try SeaFoam. But I never have. I'm thinking it might free up sticky oil control rings, if your engine has spent much time sitting unused.

[waiter]

Hydrocarbons in the coolant is not good. This means oil, gas, or combustion byproducts are now in the antifreeze.

Generally, this is a head gasket, but, could be other stuff.

How many miles, what engine, and what year.. There are several Toyota Mechanics on this site that sleep with the FSM on the night table and a 10mm wrench under their pillow.

I usually Google problems just to see if they seem to be common.

i.e. 1988 toyota 22re hydrocarbons in coolant

John Mc

88 Dolphin 4 Auto

[tlava]

Thanks for those responses--BTW, I'd also like to take this opprotunity to thank Linda in Cali, Randy in SLC, and Aaron in Denver, all of whom have been very helpful and supportive.

So the Engine Fast Flush sold by NAPA is not a good idea to use (have to change oil right after, and idle only 5 mins)? SeaFoam could have the same effect?

[Derek up North]

I've heard (and only HEARD) that those engine 'flush' products are little more than kerosene! But very nicely packaged, of course!

[Maineah]

I kinda think your head gaskets are not leaking you are not using water, nothing in the oil and, it's not overheating but it is using oil. I'm not real sure about any chemical test for hydrocarbons has any one tried a gas analyzer at the radiator neck? That's a dead give away. However that being said if the valve guides are in poor shape the heads have to come off any way the smoky start that goes away is pretty much oil getting past the guides. Me I would try valve seals that can be done with the heads on the engine and see if that helps with the smoke and oil consumption.