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| White billowy smoke coming from engine | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sep 21 2011, 08:21 AM (664 Views) | |
| krad5 | Sep 21 2011, 08:21 AM Post #1 |
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Fresh Fish
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I've had this issue off and on for probably 6 months or so now. Billowy white smoke will come from the engine when I drive it. Before, it seemed like it only happened when it was wet outside, almost seemed like moisture was getting into the engine, so when it warmed up, it was burning moisture off itself. However, now it is doing it sometimes even when it's not dewey or rainy/wet outside. I know I have a coolant leak, as I had to replace my coolant a couple times in the last 6 months. A relative of mine manages a Firestone, so I took it to him this summer to check it out while I was back home. He said they put pressure on it in the shop, same as the pressure it'd get while driving and found no leaking. He drove it around for 20 minutes and was on the highway for part of it, and they still didn't find any leaking. My temp gauge never goes up to hot though, which it had done 2 years ago when the coolant got really low (the 1st time I replaced it, and then didn't have any issues until a year later). It actually sometimes starts at the Cold end of the gauge (in summer/early Fall), but then goes back to midpoint while I'm driving. Should I try to get it checked out again? Is it typically a cracked radiator that would be causing the coolant to leak? Is that likely what's causing the white billowy smoke? I don't know much about cars, so would appreciate any input! Thanks! |
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| Bad Bent | Sep 21 2011, 12:03 PM Post #2 |
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Facetious Educated Donkey
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Welcome to the forum, krad5! Is this a Geo Metro or Mercury Sable? If it's a Geo then I'd do a compression check just to get an idea on how the engine is running. You can test the vacuum at the MAP sensor to see if there is flutter indicating valve burning. Is there any coolant in the oil or a film of oil in the coolant? At what temp does the radiator fan come on? It does come on? Since it got up to hot 2 years ago it may have warped the head. The coolant leak will follow the rule that fluid flows down hill unless under pressure. It could be a hairline crack or pin hole that is leaking on the exhaust. That would evaporate quickly. There is a coolant dye that is used to track down leaks. I'd wipe everything dry and go for a drive and see if I could find a leak. If it were a Geo and I were not sure if the smoke was white or just light blue I'd replace the PCV valve and clean the "Y" tube and check compression or just live with the blow-by but add some Marvel Mystery Oil to the oil to help clean the rings and lifters. Hope that helps. |
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7:24 PM Jul 10