Check Engine Light/White smoke/Burning smell

Apr 10, 2005 3 Replies
1993 Ford Escort LX Hatchback. 1.9. 87000 miles.

Engine wanted to stall on startup a couple times in the am. Then ran fine. Later in day the engine starts lugging(doing 45-50 mph up a steep hill) and the check engine light comes on. I back off accelerator and the engine perks up and the light goes off(it was on maybe 5-7 seconds). Temp guage went up a tad from where it normally is....then that's fine also.



I get home and pop the hood and have white smoke(not alot...had to open hood to see it) and a burning smell coming from the front area of the engine.



Taking it in to be looked in a couple days but was just wondering if anyone had any clues before then.



Thanks, John



White smoke = coolant vapor. Could be a busted radiator, hose, block plug, or maybe even a blown head gasket. The safe bet is to tow the car to the shop, from wherever it sits now. You'll have to decide if a 93 Escort is worth that. :)

Rodney

Probably a coolant leak somewhere, get it fixed before it becomes something worse, if it's not too late.

bar stop leak will take care of this for under 5 bucks

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