[V8] 1 Question + 1 Problem

[Leo]

Dear all

1)      I've been having problems with my instrument cluster, to the point
I'm thinking of getting a new one, and I was thinking if possible to get it
in Kilometers instead of miles (since I brought the car to Argentina!!).
Does anybody know if it would work the same, in regards to sensors and
values shown, etc.?

2)      Now the problem: I haven't paid much attention to the car since
August 29th when at a toll booth all of the sudden, it showed some white
smoke coming from the passenger's side of the engine. I stopped the car,
checked the oil, all ok, started the car again, no noises and kept going
slowly, since the car was running without trouble. Water temperature ok, Oil
temperature & oil pressure ok. Took it to my mechanic but he was having some
personal problems and couldn't take care of "the car". We noticed some oil
spread on the passenger's side of the engine, that was probably what caused
the smoke but I couldn't determined where it came from.

 Since I didn't need it, I parked the car and never started it again until 4
months later (I know that's not good but..I was busy taking care of bigger
problems).

Yesterday, I put a new battery (it was needed it anyway), I started the car
with no effort at the first try & run smoothly. Oil level was low about a
liter or so. Added up some and I moved the car slowly  a couple of miles
without any trouble. Today, oil level is still good, but I don't want to use
the car until I figure and fix the problem.

-Where do I start? ((235.000 miles!!! Maybe time to do the whole thing?)).

I also noticed a small problem in the radiator (it has nothing to do with
the oil problem but I'd like to hear suggestion about where to get a new
radiator and which one).

 

Wishing you all a nice 2009, I'll be waiting for your expert comments.

Thanks in advance

Leo

With the only 1990 V8 in Buenos Aires 

(where is hard to find parts for this car) J