White smoke coming from exhaust

ARTIQUE12

MEMBER
1993 HONDA PRELUDE
2.3L
AUTOMATIC
162,000 MILES

White smoke coming from exhaust with water dripping and steam coming from radiator.

Monday, April 29th, 2019 AT 8:11 PM

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

It sounds like you may have a blown head gasket. When you get white smoke from the exhaust that isn't typical steam on a cool day, that usually indicates coolant getting into the combustion chamber.

Here is a test for checking for a bad head gasket. Take a look through it.

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

Here is a link that discusses white smoke from the exhaust. Take a look through it.

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

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, April 29th, 2019 AT 8:24 PM

ARTIQUE12

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4 POSTS

Thanks.I'll let you you know soon as I can.

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Monday, April 29th, 2019 AT 8:27 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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108,269 POSTS

You are welcome. Keep in mind, the steam from the radiator (if not overheating) can be caused by compressed air entering the cooling system. When the engine is cold, remove the radiator cap and start the engine. If coolant shoots out, the head gasket is bad.

I will watch for your reply.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, April 29th, 2019 AT 8:29 PM

ARTIQUE12

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks again. Looked inside radiator it was full to the brim with coolant. Also car is running midway hot quickly and radiator fans aren't turning on as quickly as they should but they do work. Just takes roughly twenty minutes before they kick in.

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Monday, April 29th, 2019 AT 8:31 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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108,269 POSTS

Welcome back:

There is no specified amount of time for the fans to turn on. They are actuated when the coolant temperature sensor reaches a specific temperature.

Did you get a chance to look through the link I attached? Does the picture of the white smoke mirror what you are seeing?

Let me know,
Joe

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Tuesday, April 30th, 2019 AT 6:21 PM

ARTIQUE12

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Yes, got to look at links. Smoke wasn't as thick and seemed to be the norm. No bubbles in radiator overflow tank and car still only heats up to about midway. I took the radiator cap off and cold started the engine coolant did not fly out so I don't think it's the head gasket but you're the expert. Only saw steam coming from radiator cap once it was placed back on perhaps I did not put it back on tight enough or it needs to be replaced itself.

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Tuesday, April 30th, 2019 AT 6:30 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Welcome back:

That's good news. Honestly, the radiator caps are designed to release pressure at a certain point and allow coolant to return to the overflow. It is very possible that is wasn't installed fully or the cap itself is just bad.

Since a new cap is inexpensive, I would recommend replacing it. Chances are that is the issue.

Please feel free to let me know if you have other questions regarding this issue.

Take care,
Joe

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Tuesday, April 30th, 2019 AT 7:05 PM