Leaking coolant and white smoke from radiator cap

ANSWER : Hi there. A blown head gasket is typically the result of an overheating situation, not the cause. So, if your engine has been overheating recently, it’s possible that engine damage has occurred. However, it is more likely that the radiator cap itself is damaged or not sealing correctly. However, if you’re losing coolant, it might be best to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location to complete a fluid leaking inspection to verify the source of this issue, so the right repairs will be made.

ANSWER : Hi there:

Overheating issues can be very tricky to fix and diagnose. However, when you’re losing coolant and white smoke is coming from the exhaust, this is a typical indication of a blown head gasket; which is causing coolant to seep into the engine. If this issue is not dealt with quickly; it can cause serious engine damage. The best advice I can offer is to have a professional mobile mechanic complete a car is overheating inspection; so they can determine if the repairs needed will be affordable or worth the expense.

ANSWER : Hi there. For the coolant light to go out, you would need to have the coolant between the low line and the full line for the light to go out. If the coolant is low and keeps on being low, then look for any signs of coolant leaks. You may have to use a coolant pressure tester to pressurize the reservoir to allow the leak to be found.

If you need further assistance with the coolant being low and the warning light being on, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : Hello – although this cooling system hose looks much like an octopus, it can be changed without removing the radiator. It does require small hands and a bit of "technique". For assistance, I would recommend a radiator hose service by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

ANSWER : Hello. The most common cause of a random coolant loss on this vehicle is a leaking intake manifold gasket. It commonly starts leaking coolant into the engine, which will be burnt off or will leak externally. I typically do a pressure test and a dye test on the system first to see if I can locate an external leak. If nothing is found, then I do a block test to make sure that there is not a head gasket issue. If nothing shows up there, then I replace the intake gaskets. If you need to have this done, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose the coolant leak and replace the intake gaskets if necessary.

ANSWER : First off, I would say it would be best to pressure test the cooling system to verify where the coolant is coming from. With the complexity of repairs to the cooling system on this vehicle, it may be worth the time spent to pressure test the system before tackling the replacement. Now then, as far as replacing the o-ring seal on the water pump inlet tube, it should really only require the removal of the bypass hose, lower radiator hose, and the two (or three, depending on manufacturing changes) mounting bolts that hold the inlet tube to the block. I personally would go ahead and replace the tube while I was there, instead of just the o-ring. Granted, this doesn’t mention what it will take to get down to the inlet pipe, but this is all it should take once you have access to it. If this is something that you feel you could use a hand with, consult with a certified mechanic, like those available at YourMechanic.com.

ANSWER : External leaks could be from any of the oil seals on your engine and the cost to repair would depend on exactly where the leaks are located and how many seals need to be replaced. Certain seals are inaccessible unless the engine is removed, notably the rear crankshaft seal. Of course, as many leaks as possible should be repaired because leaking oil can damage external engine components such as rubber motor mounts. Oil leaking into the combustion chamber that is visible as smoke in the exhaust on start-up is typically due to failing valve stem oil seals. Those seals are replaceable. If you want the sources of the oil leaks identified and the repair estimated, simply request an oil leak diagnostic. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic.

ANSWER : Hello – coolant leaks have many sources, sometimes very subtle to locate. Since coolant evaporates on a hot engine, it is often hard to trace to it’s source. It is still possible you have a blown head gasket (early stages), or simply a leaking pipe/hose connection, freeze plug, or other housing that attaches to the engine coolant system. I would recommend a cooling system inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic trained in tracking down these problems, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.