Eric
There is a mailing list that is an excellent source of info. It is
quadfourm@yahoo.com. These guys can really help with any
Q4 problems, including parts location (both performance and
stock) and troubleshooting. There are over 400 members of
this list, and the archives alone will probably address any
questions you have, including the white smoke.
You will hear about Mantapart as a source. I had bad dealings
with this company - I would recommend you stay clear of Tim.
He sold me a belt drive unit for mine in 1998 - I still haven't
received a single pulley for this unit, nor has there ever been
an offer to repay the $850 when he couldn't deliver. All I have
received for years is lip service. There are many other reasons,
and I could go on, but I think you get the message.
The non-HO engines were bad about head gaskets, so from
what you describe, I think you have probably nailed the white
smoke problem. I would almost bet that if you have all the fluids
in that engine, you would find it smokes just as you described -
at least when the engine gets warmed up.
Actually, it sounds like an excellent Team Laughing Stock car!!
Hope this helps.
G
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Eric Linnhoff wrote:
> Well friends, I've inherited a slightly non-running Oldsmobile Calais with
> the weaker Quad 4 engine and a 5 speed. The previous owner says it needs a
> head gasket as it belched tons of white smoke while driving it home that
> fateful night. He said it felt down on power and made large clouds easily
> obscuring his rearward vision at night. He said that he started it again a
> month ago and drove it around the block and it wasn't smoking at that
point.
> I asked if there was any oil left in the engine. ;^)
>
> Are there any good Quad 4 hop-up or general info/maintainance sites on the
> web? Hmm, now I'm back to my first car marque but with only half the
number
> of cylinders. ;^)
>
> Thanks in advance folks.
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