Car Repair Advice by Professional Automotive Experts
Troubleshooting
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White Smoke from the Exhaust
Why Does White Smoke or Steam Come from the Exhaust Pipe?
Introduction
White smoke or steam is a natural by-product of the
combustion process.
As the engine and exhaust system heat up the steam is completely dissipated
before it exits the exhaust system, becoming undetectable. The amount of steam
produced from the tail pipe while the engine is cold varies due to outside
temperature and humidity. Although if a massive amount of white smoke or stream
is present even long after the engine has been warmed up this could mean you
have a problem. Coolant/antifreeze is used to cool the engine during normal
operation. If coolant is allowed to enter the combustion chamber, the engine
will burn the coolant creating white smoke and steam. When this white
smoke/steam is being produced it will be accompanied by a sweet, pungent odor.
This will be accompanied by
engine coolant.
loss with no visible leaks. There are four reasons engine coolant will enter the
combustion chamber.
Car Repair Guide - READ COMPLETELY BEFORE BEGINNING!
- Inspection 1 - The engine intake manifold is used to
direct air and fuel into the cylinder head combustion chamber. Most intake
manifolds utilize engine coolant to help cool and distribute coolant into
the cylinder head (s) and then down into the engine block. If the gasket
that seals the intake manifold to the cylinder head fails it can allow
coolant to enter the intake port and then the combustion chamber. To check
for this condition the intake manifold will need to be removed. Once the
intake manifold has been removed inspect the gasket. If the gasket has
rotted or dilapidated between the intake port and the cylinder head it could
allow coolant to transfer into the cylinder head. Replace the gasket with a
new unit and reassemble. If the intake gasket is ok continue to the next
step.
- Inspection 2 - Anytime you have
coolant in the
combustion chamber and the intake gasket is ok, the engine must be
disassembled to locate the failure. These options are not so pretty. There
are three remaining causes for coolant to enter the combustion chamber and
all require engine disassembly. This can be tricky because the repairs overlap
and it is difficult to tell which one is causing the problem before
disassembly. For example: A repair shop has told you the cylinder head is
cracked, and as they start disassembly they can discover it was the intake
manifold gasket that has failed. It's up to the honesty of the repair shop
to alert the customer the repair will be less. Or the opposite can happen,
example: A repair shop has told your engine has a blown head gasket, once
the disassembly is complete they inform you the head gasket is ok, and the
cylinder has been pressure checked and is ok. This only leaves the engine
block as the failure and must be replaced to repair the problem, and that
can be costly. If the head gasket has
failed, be sure to have the head pressure tested to be sure it is ok
internally and surfaced to be sure it is flat so as to mate evenly with the
engine block.
For exact specific repair procedures for any of the steps above visit our
car repair
manual page.
WARNING! Always have the vehicle under inspection on level
ground, in park with the emergency brake on. Always wear protective eyewear, gloves
and necessary clothing before inspection or work begins. Never crank an engine over
when anyone is near the battery or engine. Always have an operational fire extinguisher
close by, obey all first aid instructions in the event of an injury. Never stand
in front or behind a vehicle when starting or running. When engine is cranked over
keep hands and clothing away from rotating components. Anyone with a heart pacemaker
should not perform these tests.
Troubleshooting
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White Steam from the Exhaust
Additional Resources
Check Manufacturer Specific White
Smoke or Steam Questions and Answers
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