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How to Troubleshoot White Smoke

White smoke is one of the most common visible characteristics of a running engine and, in most cases, is perfectly normal coming from the exhaust. However, white smoke from an engine compartment or exhaust can indicate serious problems such as engine head failure. If left unchecked, these problems can escalate into costly fixes. Take the time to see if white smoke is indicating a problem with the vehicle or merely a normal running engine. This will help to extend the life of your car.

Instructions

1

Start the car and allow it to run for approximately 1 minute, checking for white smoke. On a cold day, white smoke coming from the exhaust should last no longer than this period. On warm days, little if any white smoke should be visible during starting and warmup.

2

Smell the exhaust while inspecting it for white smoke. Typical exhaust from a properly running engine should smell like burning motor oil. Sweet smelling exhaust indicates that coolant is burning in the cylinders and an internal coolant leak is present. This is commonly caused by a cracked head or failing head gasket.

3

Check the cars engine temperature gauge for overheating. Any temperature within the thermal "red" zone as indicated by the red markings on a temperature gauge is classified as overheating. This means the car has lost coolant and part of the cars temperature regulation system (cooling system) has failed.

4

Inspect the engine compartment for any signs of coolant leakage. Use a flashlight to check around the engine heads directly under the valve covers, radiator, water pump and thermostat housing. Coolant around the thermostat housing or water pump indicates a replacement gasket or part is needed.

5

Scan for codes using an On-Board Diagnostics tool for vehicles with such capability. Search specifically for codes that indicate compression loss, engine knock and poor air/fuel mixtures. Also observe oxygen sensor readings for normal combustion levels. Any combination of readings in these areas that deviates from normal indicates coolant in the engines cylinder or a faulty head gasket that is causing poor compression and combustion of fuel.

6

Check oil for the presence of coolant by removing the dipstick from the engine compartment. Wipe it once with a rag, then dip it again to take an accurate sample. Oil should appear as semi-transparent and yellow, gradually changing to a dark color as it ages. The oil should always be homogenous (one color) and never have light colors streaked in it. The presence of a chocolate milkshake color or green, watery streaking indicates coolant in the oil.

7

Drain the oil if its color is difficult to determine. Using a socket set, remove the oil drain plug on the lowest point of the engine oil pan. Drain this into an oil catch pan and check for uniform color. Add manufacturers suggested amount of fresh oil to complete the oil change.

8

Check compression using a compression tool if coolant is present in the oil or the exhaust smells sweet. Loss of compression in any cylinder indicates a failed head gasket or cracked head. Service as necessary.

Posted by Unknown at 10:30 AM

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Labels: how, smoke, to, troubleshoot, white