Car Won’t Start, White Smoke from Engine: Causes and Solutions
If your car won’t start and you see white smoke coming from the engine, it can be a sign of a serious problem. White smoke from the engine typically indicates that there is coolant leaking into the combustion chamber. This can happen for a number of reasons, and it’s important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.
Causes of White Smoke from Engine
- Leaking head gasket: This is the most common cause of white smoke from the engine. The head gasket is a seal between the engine block and the cylinder head. If the head gasket fails, coolant can leak into the combustion chamber, causing white smoke.
- Cracked cylinder head: A cracked cylinder head can also allow coolant to leak into the combustion chamber. This is a more serious problem than a leaking head gasket, and it will require the cylinder head to be replaced.
- Blown engine block: A blown engine block is a catastrophic engine failure that can cause coolant to leak into the combustion chamber. This is the most serious problem that can cause white smoke from the engine, and it will require the engine to be replaced.
Symptoms of White Smoke from Engine
In addition to white smoke from the engine, you may also experience other symptoms, such as:
- Engine overheating
- Loss of coolant
- Rough idle
- Engine misfire
- Reduced engine power
If You See White Smoke from Engine
If you see white smoke coming from your engine, it’s important to stop driving and have the problem diagnosed as soon as possible. Driving with a leaking head gasket or cracked cylinder head can cause further damage to the engine.
Cost to Fix White Smoke from Engine
The cost to fix white smoke from the engine will vary depending on the cause of the problem. A leaking head gasket can be repaired for around $1,000, while a cracked cylinder head can cost around $2,000 to repair. A blown engine block is the most expensive problem to fix, and it can cost around $5,000 or more to replace the engine.
Preventing White Smoke from Engine
There are a few things you can do to help prevent white smoke from the engine, such as:
- Keep your coolant system properly maintained. This includes flushing the coolant system every 30,000 miles and replacing the coolant every 60,000 miles.
- Don’t overheat your engine. If your engine is overheating, stop driving and let it cool down. Overheating can damage the head gasket and cause white smoke.
- Use the correct type of coolant. Using the wrong type of coolant can damage the head gasket and cause white smoke.
If you see white smoke coming from your engine, it’s important to stop driving and have the problem diagnosed as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and repair can help prevent further damage to the engine.
