two problems with my motor!

[drummerdan]

Hi all,

My first post this.... My car (M reg Vauhall Astra 1.4 petrol) is getting on a bit now , I've had it 8 years! Over the years I've had loads of things replaced etc and so I don't really want to change it until I finish university (2-3 years time). I have just tried to start it this morning and I got a loud click from under the bonnet. after a couple of go's I stopped for a minute then it started first time! I went to uni and when I got back in the car later It did it again? and again at Sainsbury's!

What's all that about? (it has been raining loads and its quite cold too could this contribute?)

Problem 2 when the car does start there is loads of white smoke from the exhaust. It's never happened before?

What's all that about? could it be linked?

would appreciate any advice

Dan.

[shero101]

Hi drummerdan and welcome to the wonderful world of AB.
You should get other more helpful answers but re the white smoke - if it clears after a short time then it's just condensation and normal for this time of year. However, if it continues then it could indicate a blown head gasket. If this was the case you would also notice a significant loss of power.

[woodchopper]

Sounds like a problem with the starter/solenoid.
Then again, it could be something else I'm not familiar with.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

as woodchopper says it sounds very much like your starter motor is playing up,not a expensive problem,but the white smoke could be serious,meaning a blown headgasket,take your oil filler cap off and try and see if there is any water present anywhere inside of the cap or engine,there should not be any water,if there is then it could have blown,have you put any oil in it lately,if you have you might have put too much in,that could account for the smoke as well.

[__LEE__]

too much oil would be blue smoke, not white :)

[funkymoped]

you CAN get a click from the starter/solenoid if the battery has a bad connection or is shot.
get the battery checked before you start messing with the starter motor.


white smoke could be condensation. at the moment i dont see the smoke as a problem so long as it doesnt have a strong smell and it doesnt last too long after the car is started.
:-)

[NORMANTHEDOG]

white smoke could be too much oil,also a very light blue smoke,also a darker grey colour,for your info lee

[drummerdan]

Thanks a lot people, unfortunatley it is the head gasket!

B@~l>K$. I have been quoted �240 for it to be fixed is this about right? The Geezer said something about re skimming something?

[__LEE__]

thanx for your advise Norman, but just so you know

white smoke is water
blue is oil
black is fuel