Ford KA engine smoke and leakage

[lynda_m]

Just bought a Ford KA3 and it appears to be smoking, from the engine bay and there is fluid leaking from it, thought it might be the air con but seems to be a mix of water and oil, similar consistency to WD40, any ideas as to what might be wrong and what the cost of putting it right might be???

Thanks

[shero101]

Hi lynda, couple of ideas - Is it steam rather than smoke ? If so it could be that the engine has over heated and it is coolant that is leaking. Is there any white smoke coming from the exhaust ? If so it could be a blown head gasket. Whatever it is, get it checked out pronto.

[lynda_m]

Thanks for the reply.

Took it to the garage this morning and they think it's leaking fluid from the power steering, not too sure that this explains the smoke/steam but they're going to give it the once over while it is there.

[shero101]

Phew at least that's not too bad. For what it's worth I have a KA (poverty spec!) and I have to say it's such great fun to drive I use it more than my company car.

[lynda_m]

I really enjoy driving it, it's quite an old one at R reg'd but it seems like it may actually have a bit of a hidden past, on closer inspection, it seems like it's been re-sprayed... badly!! I can't believe we didn't notice this in the first place. But never mind, getting it checked out at a garage tomorrow so hopefully they'll give it the all clear. Can't take it back as it was bought privately so not really got any come back on it! But I guess that's just the chance you take. Thanks for your input though :o)