Coolant problems

[1986coupe]

I am having some coolant issues. Whenever the car reaches 85-85 degrees celcius the low coolant light comes on. I also believe it is burning off coolant somehow because the last time I ran it the exhaust was smokey. The oil doesn't seem to be that dark though? Is it possible that the water pump is not working properly? I can't see any coolant loss there but I thought perhaps there is an internal problem with it or perhaps an adjustment issue?

 

[muddywaters]

COOLANT

Try sniffing the exaust [just a little], if it has a antifreeze odor it could be your headgaskets, I hope not.

 

[rrubel]

Have you checked the coolant level? The sensor is just below the radiator cap, so when the car is cool take the cap off and see if the coolant is up to the top.

Also, do you have an oil cooler? RPO KC4 if you look at your option code sheet. I'm told that they begin to leak a bit when they age and that's another point where oil and water can mix.

[RICHR]