Leon Speed

Isn't the idea that overheating on idle suggests a coolant flow problem and overheating while driving suggests an air flow problem? Btw not running fans can means the difference between running at target temp and overheating.

Mrmerlin

what did the Hydrocarbon test reveal?

LazerSquid

The porsche saved me the trouble and expense of buying a hydrocarbon tester, in a way I would have preferred not to happen.

I took it for a drive because I wanted to pay closer attention to what happened right before it started running rough, so I did and then parked it. It didn't get above the second mark this time, and in fact stayed about in the middle the way it should. When I parked it, I put in neutral so I could check the transmission fluid level, and when i got back in the drivers seat to turn the car off for the night, I heard it! The auxiliary fan on the radiator had finally come on! I watched the temperature gauge slowly drop down to the first mark and sit there, I was thrilled! Thrilled that is, until I smelled it. I turned around and bellows of white smoke were pouring out of the exhaust. Not a small amount like before, but a TON of smoke! I'm certain that a head gasket has been blown, but I'll still buy a hydrocarbon tester to confirm.. I guess that it's good to finally know one of the problems. Another not is about 45 seconds before the fan kicked on, it started idling very very smoothly, and it wasn't missing any more. It seemed like all if its problems had automatically worked themselves out until the smoke happened. Maybe someone else can clear up what happened to the engine?

LazerSquid

This is a picture of the smoke. I won't be starting her anymore until I know for sure what all of the problems are.

Leon Speed

Well, that narrows it down.

Mrmerlin

what does the smoke smell like?
Is it sweet smelling?

Best to pull the plugs ASAP and spin the engine over to see if any cylinder has coolant in it,
if it does spin the engine over with no plugs to clear it,

then spray a 30 second blast of WD 40 into each cylinder so the rings dont start corroding as right now you may get by with new HGs and maybe a cracked head

LazerSquid

it's already pitch black outside. Will it destroy the engine if I wait til first thing in the morning to do it?

LazerSquid

Also, is this something I would be able to do myself without having to pull the engine? Could somebody give me a link to a post that shows how to do it, or the list of parts I would need? It would be greatly appreciated.

LazerSquid

Can nobody give me any info on this?

Bill Ball

Well, yeah, but rapid, extreme overheating lead me to think of more than a fan. Maybe I read more into his description than is there. In concept, you are right, and it appears you were correct more than in concept.

Bill Ball

Yes, you should be able to get the head off with the engine in the car with an 84.. The Workshop Manual is pretty good on this.

Landseer

Your trip home with the new car brought back memories of my first experience, also 84. Got home ok, less than 15 miles, but that's where the fun ended and the circus began to look like yours. Though, looks like your car is in better cosmetic shape. Keep head up, but you probably need to spend some money and do some work to fix what the previous owner neglected to fix or disclose.

My car had a leaking, slipping waterpump at the root of the problem. Car would idle fine (they will sit there and idle a good while) get on to the road, and in less than a mile the car would overheat.

If you change the headgaskets, spend the time/money to replace hoses, heater valve, waterpump, thermostat (and back seal). Do timing belt at same time.

Front electric fan on 84 is not relevant to the situation. The viscous fan provides the cooling effect at low highway speeds.