looking for new 3s-gte, any help is welcome Options

[zeros]

The shop I normally use to get help with my car is shut down. I took it to a nearby place but they wanted to charge me $600 for $50 of hoses and like $1000 in labor for a simple hose change and radiator flush. So I nixed that and am now looking for a better place that knows the 92' alltrac and won't try to rip me off.

The engine started smoking last night. White smoke, it's coming from the engine and the exaust. It seems to happen randomly which is why I'm having such a problem with it. When I drive it around then stop at an intersection it starts to emit white smoke for a little bit. Then it stops. It usually stops smoking by the time I can jump out of my car and flip the hood open. Sometimes it does it, sometimes it does'nt, it seems really random. Although it may do it a little and I just do'nt see it sometimes.

I checked the fluid levels, seems okay. Although I can't even see the coolant tank to see if it's full or low. I pulled out the cap and there was coolent on the end of the hose.

So if anybody knows a good shop in columbus that knows the alltrac please send me a message.

(considering going to the toyota dealer's shop)

This post has been edited by zeros: Jul 17, 2008 - 11:37 AM

[Sinyk]

Sounds like your got a crack in the head. Happened to me in my old Nissan when the radiator cracked, leaked all my fluid out and the engine got too hot. They did a UV dye test and found a hairline crack which was leaking my coolant into my engine and burning it off. Tons of white smoke (steam?).

Can't you just replace the head (assuming that's what it is?)