Need diagnostic help pls...
 

Hi there,

A few months ago, this 96 SC1 was purchased used. It worked for a short while. I was then told that it started pouring out white smoke. Now, I am in possession of the vehicle.

Some observations:

• Pulled out spark plug wire, and it DOES show sparks when cranking
• Dipstick shows oil, but no evidence of water
• After cranking, spark plug smells of fuel
• Not familiar with proper cranking sound, so not sure if timing belt/chain is broken
• Not sure about loose compression
• 2nd spark plug from the driver's side (dunno numbering scheme) had oily gunk on the plug
• I cleaned out plugs, and still wont start.

Perhaps the most involved fix I can execute is changing the timing belt/chain. If this involves changing piston rings, it will be too much for me.

Replacement engines go for $500-$700 which is a bit much for me.

Thank you for any help!

POURING out white smoke is usually indicative of a blown head gasket.
Broken timing chain would likely sound like a bikechain being ground into a toothed metal plate....

sounds like you have spark and fuel

IS SES light on? If so please read and post the codes (Pxxx) here.

You may wish to rent a compression tester or buy a cheapie to test the compression