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87 Samurai Manifold??

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87 Samurai Manifold??
« on: December 17, 2006, 03:23:04 AM »
I am considering purchasing a Samurai. I have one concern with this vehicle which may or may not be valid. After the test drive, I lifted the hood to observe the engine and noticed a little light blue smoke at the rear of the engine eminating from beneath the exhaust manifold cover. I did not have a mirror to check behind to locate the source. Any thoughts on what this might be and where to go next? It may be just a small oil leak but I did not see any evidence from the valve cover. Any history of this happening with this model?

Thanks for the help.


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Offline ack

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Re: 87 Samurai Manifold??
« Reply #1 on: December 17, 2006, 03:58:29 AM »
Samurai exhaust manifolds are known to crack over time.  That may be the source of the smoke.

Overall, does the truck smoke?  Have you put your hand in front of the exhaust (not too close!  ;D ) while it is running to check for hydrocarbons/water?  If your hand gets greasy or smoke covered or smells like gasoline as opposed to just water-wet, you may have oil burning, PCV valve or carburetor problems.

Old, high-mileage stock Samurais, unless they are exceptionally well taken care of, should not sell for much over $1000.

Hope this helps!
Ack

'88 Samurai, '88.5 Samurai TT, '11 Ford Transit Connect XLT
Ack's FAQ  http://www.acksfaq.com

Re: 87 Samurai Manifold??
« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2006, 05:18:59 AM »
Thanks for advice. I'm fairly confident that the vehicle did not smoke.... but I'll double check. Assuming this checks out, how much does it cost in parts and labor to replace an exhaust manifold? In any event, It's probably prudent to have a mechanic check this out before purchasing.

Overall, it is in good shape. Paint has faded but no body damage. A/C Heater switch does not work. Engine idled at higher than normal RPM's until warm and then smooth reasonable idle afterwards. (idle may have been adjusted for higher elevation due to mountain camping/fishing/hunting). Clutch and tranny operated smoothly. No intermittent engine activity while driving or idling. It has 107K miles with 12K in the last 7 years. Apparently, most of this later mileage has been in tow (Has a hitch on the front). 2" lift kit with BF Goodrich 235 size tires, soft top...

Thanks Again!

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Offline Amilla

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Re: 87 Samurai Manifold??
« Reply #3 on: December 17, 2006, 09:55:21 AM »
I dont think i have seen on sammi that dosnt have a leak at the valve cover or down at the oil pan.  But then again i live in Eureka CA so that might have to be why i have seen soo many leaky engines.

Amilla
88 Samurai, Sprung Up, Geared Down, Locked,With Yotas.

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Offline Rhinoman

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Re: 87 Samurai Manifold??
« Reply #4 on: December 17, 2006, 10:20:38 AM »
My 413 manifold cracked between 3 and 4, the replacement also had a crack in the same place, it does seem to be quite common.
2000 Vitara 1.6, 3+3 Lift, 33"MTs, 5:83s, LWB brakes, Winch, Snorkel, Safari Rack
1986 SJ413K PickUp, 1.6L conversion.

OBD1 - Full diagnostics on a PC/Laptop: http://www.rhinopower.org

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Offline ack

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Re: 87 Samurai Manifold??
« Reply #5 on: December 17, 2006, 11:41:04 AM »
My 413 manifold cracked between 3 and 4, the replacement also had a crack in the same place, it does seem to be quite common.

X2!

That's where mine was cracked!

You'll have better luck with an aftermarket manifold:  OEM used manifolds may have the same problem.  New OEM may cost a lot.  Aftermarket Thorleys are under $200 and will give you better performance and are 50-state smog approved.  Aftermarket may (its been a while since I installed my Thorley) require a bit of fabbing at the output.
Ack

'88 Samurai, '88.5 Samurai TT, '11 Ford Transit Connect XLT
Ack's FAQ  http://www.acksfaq.com

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Offline okcoffroader

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Re: 87 Samurai Manifold??
« Reply #6 on: December 17, 2006, 04:36:45 PM »
if it isnt smoking out of the tailpipe then the smoke isnt coming from a cracked manifold....otherwise it would be smoking all the time out the back, not just a little out the crack, does that make sense?? there must be an oil leak, and its most likely out of the valve cover gasket, or the distributer...my friends 87 zuk leaked out of both when he still had the 1.3L, it would smoke a little when it would hit the manifold....cracked manifolds are common on any vehicle, and if its cracked then definitely replace it, but i would look hard for an oil leak before i spent any money on a new manifold....
I thought there was NO REPLACEMENT FOR DISPLACEMENT, until i drove a Zuk with 6.4:1 gears in the transfercase...

Re: 87 Samurai Manifold??
« Reply #7 on: December 17, 2006, 05:51:27 PM »
Much obliged to all who have responded to this thread :) I'll be investigating the "smoke" issue tomorrow and hopefully find that it's an oil leak dripping onto the manifold. 

Thanks Again!

Re: 87 Samurai Manifold??
« Reply #8 on: December 18, 2006, 06:57:21 PM »
Hey... Thanks..you all! Checked the Sammy out today and sure enough... no smoke from the tailpipe.. no oil, etc...  a small.. correctable oil leak which dripped onto the exhaust manifold  :D and that's all folks!!!!

Voila.. A new owner of a Samurai!