Rickkr

PHEW! Turns out it was a blown head gasket. Very odd and concerning symptoms!

Yeah I was afraid of that... here's hoping!

OK it's no external leak; it's coming from the head. Head is getting pulled off and inspected

Will do this, thanks. Also, just double checked my findings.. there is compressed air definitely coming out of one of those two bolt holes next to the EGR(?) pipe and not from the pipe itself. This is confuzzling; the soapy water trick only confirmed this and failed to yield any other obvious external leaks. Let me get back under and check exhaust for leaks again, just in case.

I will try the soapy water technique. What started this concern was an obvious and sudden change in engine sound; definitely compression leaking to atmosphere. It was after this that I noticed the oil smoke from the exhaust. Car was driven a MAX of 5 miles like this; just enough to get off freeway, diagnose, then drive home. Car has RELATIVELY low miles (114k) and very recent timing belts replacement. The opposing bank belt broke. I'm genuinely hoping it's something simple that won't require head removal, but it seems as though it's inevitable. I will report back with today's findings

Also to be a bit more clear, it's the hole that the flashlight is focused on

Apologies, it's a 94 non Turbo with SPFI. I'm on a phone so I can't highlight, but it's the lower hole directly to the left of the spark plug wire. I removed and reseated the spark plug and I'm certain it's not coming from there, as well as the exhaust Mani and intake. With the engine still relatively cool I placed my finger over said hole and the sound got noticeably quieter, although not completely. The compression coming through this hole is puzzling to say the least and is leading me to suspect a cracked head. I was just curious if this hold had any diagnostic relevance as it is apparent that there is something going on with it.

Well referring to the EA82... obvious cylinder compression bypass.. you can *hear* the air escaping... it feels as though it's escaping through a cylinder head bolt hole (see pic) and somewhere else... is this a diagnostic bypass or something? Fwiw the car is also now putting out oil smoke through the exhaust... this random compression bypass is new to me... anyone? Bueller? Thanks Here's the pics: the noticeable compression leak is from the bottom bolt hole; this is LHD pass side

Hello! A little bit about me: I've been a car Guy since before I could drive; started out with muscle cars, dabbled as a rice boy street racer, and finally settled on classic Japanese performance. I currently own primarily Nissans; 71 510, 96 Infiniti and a project Turbo 240z, and a classic Volvo 144. Currently wrenching on a 94 Loyale and probably picking up a Legacy Outback as a work vehicle.... anyway, obviously not a car noob but new to Scoobies and welcoming new knowledge! Thanks!