1999 SAAB 9-5 White Smoke out of Exhaust/engine knocking

Tiny
ANDRERUOTOLO
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 SAAB 9-5
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 97,000 MILES
Just last week started getting white smoke out of exhaust. This morning bringiing son to school, less than mile away, by the time got home, engine was knocking bad like it wasn't getting oil. Also, when sitting after starting the car, it would idle consistantly. Sounded like I was pressing and depressinf throttle even though I wasn't. From what I've read, blown head gasket, but car is not overheating and coolant level is not low. Any other thoughts?
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Monday, November 10th, 2008 AT 12:05 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
RICKMAR
  • MECHANIC
  • 170 POSTS
I am pretty sure you have a head gasket that has a crack in it. Coolant is possibly getting into your cylinder/cylinders. Check your radiator level when the car is cold. Check for signs of water in your oil. Usually seen on the dipstick as little droplets. Sometime the oil on the dipstick will look milky, light brown or gray.

With a head gasket you may have cracked a cylinder head or warped a head. Either having the current cylinder head machined flat is very likely also or a new head is a possibility if the current head can not be machined within a specified thickness or height.
I hope I am wrong. But it sure sounds like it to me.
Sorry for the news;
Rick
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Thursday, November 12th, 2009 AT 10:58 PM
Tiny
MNTHNY4
  • MECHANIC
  • 612 POSTS
Hey what's up, your problem from beginning for white smoke is your turbo exhaust side seal blown cause your eng to burn oil, [oil going into exhaust side & burning causing white smoke] and your engine noise is due to low oil level for a while, possibly cause rod & crank bearing damage. Get oil pan removed & check engine bearing for wear, may be repairable if u were'nt driving vehicle for a long time at high speeds, and your idle issue may be due to your throttle going into [ LIMP HOME MODE], do not drive vehicle, get car check by your mechanic.
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Friday, November 13th, 2009 AT 8:34 AM

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