So I just recently bought a 1992 Mazda MX-3 with the 1.8L V6. This is my first Mazda and so far I am enjoying it! She’s rough around the edges but overall a good car.

Since I bought the car I’ve noticed white smoke from the exhaust, as well as the car running slightly hot (about 3/4 of the way to hot) I have checked the oil and it is not milky. I recently did a compression test and all cylinders read at roughly 150 psi so It isn’t a head gasket leak.

I recently topped up my coolant with a 50/50 premix to hopefully temporarily remedy the issue until I can flush the coolant but to no avail.(yes I used the right colour) I’m thinking it’s probably a bad radiator, water pump or thermostat.

Has anyone had a similar issue and might be able to help me narrow down the exact cause?

Thanks guys!


Edit: pretty sure I figured the issue out! It’s currently 2:40 am and I always get really good ideas late at night. I ended up driving the car around the block out of boredom. Noticed a strong smell of gas that I have been noticing before but something in my head just now clicked! When I did my compression test my spark plugs were very worn, it’s not the cooling system that’s the problem, the car is just running rich. (White smoke, black soot on the end of the tailpipe, strong odour of gas) Still unsure of the exact cause but I will get new spark plugs after my next paycheque and post an update.