Replaced number three spark plug, white vapor from exhaust now

TOMAS DOWNER

MEMBER
2003 DODGE CARAVAN
3.3L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
185,000 MILES

I had a lot of radiator problems when I first bought it. I since fixed all holes and leaky areas. I had a small misfire of number three and when I replaced it (just that one and the wire) it ran good, suddenly water pouring out of my water pump. So I replaced the water pump.
Now it registers as multiple misfires and there's white smoke from exhaust. There's no sign of head gasket problem, no milky oil etc. I don't want to invest too much into this, it makes no sense. The smell of burnt or just regular smell of antifreeze is high.
I bought a full set of plugs and wires. I'm afraid if I replace them all I'll still have a problem. However, does power steering fluid leaking onto the engine area that may have gathered around a spark plug cause problems like that?
Thanks, Tom.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 POSTS

Hi Tom and thanks for using 2CarPros.

If you are getting white smoke from the exhaust and smell coolant, most likely it is a bad head gasket. I realize there is no indication of coolant in the oil, but coolant can make its way into the combustion chamber without mixing with oil.

The best thing to do is check for head gasket issues. Here is a link that shows how to check. At first it discusses contamination of the oil, but as you continue, it talks about what I mentioned and what to check for.

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

Let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe