Engine starts smoking when driving

LOVELYGURLMK01

MEMBER
2004 NISSAN SENTRA
4WD
AUTOMATIC
186,000 MILES

My car has smoke coming out of tailpipe and when I drive it a short distance the engine starts smoking and I smell a burning smell though the A/C unit from engine what could be cause? Note I've already replaced ignition coil and camshaft sensor.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 POSTS

Hi,

What color is the smoke from the exhaust? For example, would you describe it as white, blue, or black? As far as the smoke from under the hood, have you opened the hood and tried to locate approximately where it is coming from? Is the coolant level full or have you noticed the level going down?

Let me know.
Joe

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Thursday, May 28th, 2020 AT 8:01 PM

LOVELYGURLMK01

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thick white smoke and yes I've looked under hood and it looked like it was coming from the area where the belt is at. I'm going to let it run again and take picture once I see it's smoking again. The antifreeze is full and isn't going down quickly so I wouldn't imagine a leek or anything there.

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Friday, May 29th, 2020 AT 5:04 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 POSTS

Hi,

Thick white smoke from the exhaust usually indicates engine coolant is getting into the combustion chamber and burning. This is commonly the result of a bad head gasket. As far as the smoke from near the belt, that is likely the water pump leaking via the weep hole indicating the pump needs replaced.

Do me a favor. Take a look through these links. They explain how to identify a bad head gasket. Do this and let me know if it mirrors what you are experiencing.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/white-smoke-or-steam-coming-from-the-exhaust-pipe

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Let me know.
Joe

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Friday, May 29th, 2020 AT 9:21 AM