White smoke coming from left side exhaust?

Tiny
CARA L LIESSE
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 MERCURY COUGAR
  • 6.0L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,000 MILES
About a year ago, Little Girl, which is the car's name, started not starting. I could get her to go but as soon as I put her in drive. She quickly shut off. I moved her over to a shop called Mikes Garage. Three months later, after I found and paid for the brain box, I got her back. Now, I can smell gas and there is white smoke coming from the left exhaust pipe.
Monday, May 15th, 2023 AT 8:57 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,895 POSTS
The symptoms you described, such as difficulty starting, stalling when put in drive, the smell of gas, and white smoke from the exhaust, could indicate a few potential issues with the vehicle. However, it's important to note that diagnosing a car problem remotely without a physical inspection can be challenging. I'll provide you with some general possibilities to consider, but it's highly recommended to have a qualified mechanic inspect your vehicle in person to provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate repairs.

Fuel system issues: The smell of gas and white smoke could be indicative of a fuel system problem. It's possible that there is a fuel leak, a problem with the fuel injectors, or an issue with the fuel pressure regulator. A mechanic can perform a fuel pressure test and inspect the fuel system to identify the source of the problem.

Engine misfire: An engine misfire can cause stalling, rough idling, and white smoke from the exhaust. It could be caused by a faulty spark plug, ignition coil, or fuel injector. A diagnostic scan and inspection of the ignition system would be necessary to identify the specific cause.

Exhaust system issue: White smoke from the exhaust could also be a sign of coolant leaking into the combustion chamber. This could indicate a blown head gasket or a cracked cylinder head. Coolant mixing with the combustion process can create white smoke. A mechanic can perform a cooling system pressure test and a compression test to check for any potential issues.

Other possibilities: There are other potential causes for these symptoms, including a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, a problem with the engine control module (ECM), or issues with the engine's timing.
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Monday, May 15th, 2023 AT 3:03 PM

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