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Altima overheated, oil is milky. Can I simply drain the oil out and replace and try starting again?

Tiny
KPC2593
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 NISSAN ALTIMA
  • 145,000 MILES
Driving back home last night and the top of my radiator cracked on my 2002 nissan altima. I stopped upon seeing the temp gauge at the top and had my car towed to my home. I replaced the radiator today and upon starting the car, the car wouldn't turn over. Found out 2 of my 4 ignition coils went out so I replaced the 2, along with my spark plugs and the car started and ran for a good 3 minutes and then stopped on it's on. There was a massive amount of white smoke coming out the tail pipe while it ran for those 3 minutes. I checked the oil and found it was milky like and upon looking online people are telling me that water mixed in with my oil when my car overheated.

Did I blow my headgasket? Can I simply drain the oil and replace the oil and try again? The car won't start anymore.
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Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 AT 12:12 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You have most likely blown a head gasket or cracked head. The white smoke is burning coolant.
Most likely pulling the head is a start to see the extent of the damage.

Roy
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Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 AT 12:36 AM
Tiny
KPC2593
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
But wouldn't the car not start after I replaced my ignition coils if my head was blow?
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Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 AT 12:45 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
It could depending on the cylinders involved. Anyway, you have major engine damage.

Roy
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Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 AT 12:51 AM

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