White smoke coming from the tail pipe

Tiny
01PTCRUISER
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
Was driving at forty mph for about five minutes when I saw a lot of white smoke outside the rear window. The temperature gauge was at the three quarter mark so below the red zone. I pulled over and the temperature gauge went right back to normal. I turned off the car, opened the hood and saw a small amount of smoke for a few seconds. Had the car towed. The tow truck operator said it was likely the fan not coming on but the fan is working. The car was fully warmed up the next day and there was lots of white smoke coming out the tailpipe when the motor was revved. Since then it has been driven only short distances and not fully warming up, but a small amount of white smoke can be seen coming out the tail pipe. The oil dipstick and underside of the radiator cap show none of the "milkshake" appearance. The photo shows one of two yellowish deposits on the driveway that likely came from the tail pipe given their location. Is this most likely a head gasket leak? Given the worth of the car versus the repair cost would a head gasket sealant treatment be a good option? Would you recommend testing by a mechanic before going the sealant route? Thank you!
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Sunday, April 1st, 2018 AT 6:31 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,184 POSTS
You should see the level dropping in the coolant reservoir. There are two tests for a leaking cylinder head gasket. One is to add a small bottle of dark purple dye to the coolant, then check a day or two later with a black light. The dye will show up as a bright yellow stain. If the head gasket is leaking, you will find the dye inside the tail pipe. Auto parts stores will have the correct dye for the fluid being tested, and those that rent or borrow tools should have a black light.

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

You can also have your mechanic perform a chemical test at the radiator, with the engine running. This involves drawing air from the radiator through a glass cylinder with two chambers partially-filed with a special dark blue liquid. If combustion gases are present, the liquid will turn bright yellow. You can borrow this tool from auto parts stores too, but they will make you buy your own bottle of fluid. That is because it will be rendered ineffective if it freezes or becomes contaminated with antifreeze. They do not want to risk borrowing it to the next person with contaminated fluid. Paying your mechanic to perform this test, which just takes a few minutes, is less expensive than buying the bottle of fluid.

If cost of repair is an issue, consider looking for a nearby community college with an Automotive program. We were always looking for live work to give our kids real-world experience, but since they are only in the shop a few hours per day, it can takes weeks to get the car back. The cost will be very low, but you will also have to wait until they are teaching Engine Repair class. That might be only once or twice per year.
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Sunday, April 1st, 2018 AT 7:07 PM
Tiny
PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,853 POSTS
The labor time for replacing the head gasket is about 8.4 hours just in case you want to go that route and if you multiply that by hourly rates of $50.00 to $100.00 you get around $420.00 to $840.00 depending on who does it with the lowest just being a local garage or gas station mechanic and the highest being the dealer, although they could be even more than $100.00 an hour.
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Monday, April 2nd, 2018 AT 8:18 AM
Tiny
01PTCRUISER
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks so much for your replies, folks. I had seen up to six tests online for a blown head gasket but was hoping to have my suspicion confirmed based on the symptoms I described. And yes, in Ontario, Canada you would be looking at $80.00 to $100.00 an hour CDN for labor. I decided to go ahead with the Prestone head gasket sealant treatment. On my car it went pretty much nothing like the directions specified. But after a lot of effort I managed to get most of the pellets inserted and most of the liquid poured in. The good news is the white smoke out the tail pipe has stopped. The car is parked for the night and I hope all will be well in the morning. And for an extended period of time! I think in the next few days I will flush the system a few times, replace the coolant and install a new thermostat as well. Again, I appreciate you taking the time to direct me. All the best!
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Monday, April 2nd, 2018 AT 4:56 PM

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