Intermittent engine smoking?

1993 MAZDA B2200
144,000 MILES • 2.6L • 4 CYL • 4WD • MANUAL
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JASON94
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When the engine is warm at idle it will sometimes start to idle rough, and a lot of smoke comes out the tailpipe. When you give it gas and drive it off it quits. Doesn’t do it every time at idle. Whitish smoke made my eyes burn when I walked through the smoke.
Aug 6, 2022 at 7:53 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

White smoke is usually an indication that engine coolant is being burned in the combustion chamber. The cause is usually a faulty head gasket. By chance, have you checked the coolant to make sure it isn't going down?

Also, take a look through this link. It explains what to look for and how to test for a head gasket concern. Most of it is inspecting things. See if anything mirrors what you are experiencing.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Additionally, this vehicle has an OBD1 system. You don't need a scan tool to retrieve codes. Follow the directions in the link below to see if something is stored.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/diagnostic-trouble-codes-for-1995-and-earlier-mazda-cars-obd1

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Aug 6, 2022 at 8:26 PM
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JASON94
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Thanks.
I took the head off and took it to the dealership I purchased the truck from, he is going to send it to a machine shop, and have it faced and new seals put in. Looked like it was about.011 warped. Hoping for the best. Thanks again for replying.
Sep 8, 2022 at 12:18 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Thanks for the update. I'm glad to know it's being taken care of. If you have a chance, let me know how things turn out for you.

Take care,

Joe
Sep 8, 2022 at 6:20 PM