Engine problems

THEVILLE20

MEMBER
1993 NISSAN 300ZX
3.0L
V6
TURBO
RWD
MANUAL
138,000 MILES

Just bought the car in fall of last year. Twin turbo model. When started up the car blows smoke out the tail pipes for a little while and eventually stops. White smoke I think. Unfortunately I let the car sit for a few months during winter without starting it. Now when I start it I get A LOT of smoke out the tail pipes. The oil pressure gauge reads zero even though it has oil. And there is a loud ticking sound coming from the top of the motor. I'm afraid to run it long in fear of damaging something but the smoking now doesn't seem like it's going to end. It's thick and smells like something burning. Temperature gauge is where it's suppose to be. Also, don't know if it's related, but the speedometer stopped working before I let it sit. Don't see any blown fuses.

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,003 POSTS

The description sounds like the turbo(s) might need to be rebuilt/replaced due to seal failure. The oil pressure needs to be checked with an actual gauge on the port on the engine. If you really have zero pressure you will need to determine if it's a failed pump or if the oil is losing pressure for another reason. Loud ticking isn't good, low/no oil pressure could cause the noise because the lifters are not pumping up and you get a lot of valve lash.

Until you can test out the oil pressure and determine what the problem is, don't run it. It's possible at the moment that you can save the engine depending on the oil pressure issue. Run it without oil pressure and you will destroy the engine very rapidly.