Hi everyone. I posted awhile back but got no response so I thought I might try a different approach and start again with a big hi to everyone. Bought my first mustang a couple of months ago for a steal at $700. It's just a basic '03. All in all it's a really nice car for the price. However, there's a slew of minor problems with it, most of which I'm more than equipped to deal with as I can afford it.

I've always wanted a mustang to do some stuff with and so far, I'm liking what i see with what I've got. I mostly can't wait to restore the body and get it repainted.

But this still brings me back to my original post. I've got two issues that I'm not sure about. Why does smoke come from where I add oil if the engine is hot and why do the rpms drop to the point the engine stutters then shoot back up rhythmically if i sit and idle and turn on any kind of air?

Any kind of feedback on those issues would be great. I'm also interested in any cheap mods for the car itself. The engine appears to be solid enough and I hear no unusual noises. So I think it's got potential enough to have a little fun with.

Still though, I'm excited to have the car and have some fun with it. Thanks for any feedback on the two problems.

 

Smoke coming out of the engine is due to oil burn off seeping past the valves into the valve covers. This is common in older motors, but is also signs that the valve seals need a look at.

The idle jumping all over is signs of a faulty idle air control valve sensor.

 

awesome, thanks for the response. was already eying those, but nice to hear it from someone else. Thanks again.