Why do I have white smoke coming from my radiator?

Why do I have white smoke coming from my radiator?

Make sure you are monitoring the coolant level in the radiator/reservoir. If the white smoke is exclusively from the exhaust pipe, a leaking cylinder head gasket would be a suspect. In this case the coolant would end up being heated in the combustion chambers and blown out the exhaust as the engine starts.

What does white smoke mean on a Duramax engine?

White smoke from an LB7 Duramax engine often indicates faulty injectors. We’ve heard of rollin’ coal, but rollin’ snow? Not a good sign. Blowing white smoke is a red flag for your diesel engine, yet we see this happen all the time to our customers.

What causes white smoke in the engine bay?

Normal causes for white smoke in the engine bay. During cooler days it is normal to see some white smoke coming from the engine. Internal combustion engines operate through the ignition of the air/fuel mixture and produce carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. Little smoke is to be expected due to the condensation of water from the exhaust gases.

When does white smoke come out of the front of the car?

In April a large amount of white smoke came out of the front of the car when I started it. It has happened three more times, coming from the rear of the car. Three times the engine was cold, once warm.

Make sure you are monitoring the coolant level in the radiator/reservoir. If the white smoke is exclusively from the exhaust pipe, a leaking cylinder head gasket would be a suspect. In this case the coolant would end up being heated in the combustion chambers and blown out the exhaust as the engine starts.

Normal causes for white smoke in the engine bay. During cooler days it is normal to see some white smoke coming from the engine. Internal combustion engines operate through the ignition of the air/fuel mixture and produce carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. Little smoke is to be expected due to the condensation of water from the exhaust gases.

In April a large amount of white smoke came out of the front of the car when I started it. It has happened three more times, coming from the rear of the car. Three times the engine was cold, once warm.

What does it mean when your car exhaust emits black smoke?

When the exhaust emits black smoke, it means that gasoline has flooded the combustion chambers and it is not fully ignited. You will need to check for clogged fuel filters, malfunctioning fuel injectors, and sensors. If you notice a strong smell together with the white/gray smoke from the engine bay – it is most likely an oil leak.

Why is white smoke coming out of my exhaust pipe?

Another cause of white smoke is leaking coolant. The leakage will be noticeable when the smoke is visible while driving the car. Furthermore, there will also be a sweet smell coming out of the exhaust pipe. Don’t let this fool you as the sweet smell is a cause for concern.

What to do when there is white smoke in the engine?

Before you start the cold engine next time, open the hood and visually inspect for any coolant in the engine compartment. Make sure you are monitoring the coolant level in the radiator/reservoir. If the white smoke is exclusively from the exhaust pipe, a leaking cylinder head gasket would be a suspect.

Why does my car have a white smoke smell?

If the white smoke is coolant, your car is definitely having a crack in the cylinder head or a leaky head gasket, along with a sweet smell. In this situation, you can pressure test the cooling system if the coolant is low or the engine has been overheating. If it does not, your vehicle is mostly having a leaking gasket.

Another cause of white smoke is leaking coolant. The leakage will be noticeable when the smoke is visible while driving the car. Furthermore, there will also be a sweet smell coming out of the exhaust pipe. Don’t let this fool you as the sweet smell is a cause for concern.

Before you start the cold engine next time, open the hood and visually inspect for any coolant in the engine compartment. Make sure you are monitoring the coolant level in the radiator/reservoir. If the white smoke is exclusively from the exhaust pipe, a leaking cylinder head gasket would be a suspect.

If the white smoke is coolant, your car is definitely having a crack in the cylinder head or a leaky head gasket, along with a sweet smell. In this situation, you can pressure test the cooling system if the coolant is low or the engine has been overheating. If it does not, your vehicle is mostly having a leaking gasket.

What happens when coolant leaks from the engine?

This occurs because some of the coolant that leaks can reach the engine oil through the piston rings. Your car’s coolant system is designed to manage the excessive heat generated by your engine so that it will run optimally. Any leak within this closed system can result in substantial damage to the engine.

Why do I have white smoke coming from my head gasket?

It has a rather sweet smell because of the nature of antifreeze and the white smoke will persist even if the engine is already warm. Another possible sign of an internal head gasket leak is the appearance of bubbles in the coolant reservoir or even the radiator. These are exhaust gases that are pushed through the coolant system.

What happens when you have a coolant leak in a BMW?

In the case of a leak, the coolant fluid is burned during the combustion process. Once it has burned, what is left is white smoke. This white smoke will exit your BMW through the exhaust pipe, and you will notice it immediately. When consistently driving your BMW, you will need to maintain a proper schedule for servicing and maintenance.

How can you tell if your car coolant is leaking?

Often, finding a coolant leak is simple, as you can see fluid dripping from beneath your vehicle’s hood. You may also notice bubbles in the coolant reservoir or at a hose connection. You must be careful when checking fluid levels, though.

Posted In Q&A