Serious engine trouble...

[cacahootie]

I was on my way to camping, driving down the freeway and we started to smell burning oil, and I noticed a knocking. Pulled off the freeway to a gas station to pop the hood, and it was overheating and smoking a bunch. It is leaking oil at the rear, and smoking everywhere. It will not start.

A couple of days ago, I put some denatured alcohol in the tank to pass emissions. Also, recently it would start weak then die when I put it in gear, I would have to rev a bit to get it going.

Obviously the motor is coming out, but what am I likely in for?

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

How much oil is in it and what does it look like?

When you say it won't start, will the motor crank?


Regardless, the alcohol won't have caused this problem.

 

[tRustyK5]

As far as I know the only bad side of the alcohol is that it can be a little corrosive to the fuel system. As an additive I don't see that being a huge deal. It definitely wouldn't have caused the engine to nuke itself...

Rene