What causes white smoke to come out of tailpipe?

Question

I have '97 pontiac Sunfire. White smoke started coming out of tailpipe. Doesn't seem like I have the power I am supposed to have. Not overheating. There is water? beads on some hoses. Could my water/coolant be leaking? Would that cause it to smoke. Just changed the starter yesterday. Could something be hooked back up wrong. Just started yesterday. Afraid to drive.

Answer 1

As stated by the others white smoke is water getting in the combustion process via cracked head or blown head gasket real problems needing immediate attention. just for basic knowledge black smoke is carbon from to much fuel not enough air. A light tint of blue in the smoke that looks white is from oil getting into the cylinder from below the pistons or from past the valve guide seals due to wear, lots of miles.

Answer 2

Your car is fuel injected. Fuel injected engines usually do not "flood" as the old saying goes for autos with carburator(s) which, by the way, causes 'white' smoke to exhaust out the engine. So, like some of the other answers to your question, it's probably associated with coolant leakage ( from a coolant hose ) or coolant leaking into one or more cylinders. This condition, however, will not last very long.......it will get worse and you'll smell anti-freeze ( coolant ). Take it to a mechanic you trust ( good luck on that one! ) or let a mechanic you know personally have a 'look see' under the hood to check for coolant leaks around the hoses. If the engine seems to be 'missing' or running sparratically, it's probably a blown head gasket.

Answer 3

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RE:
What causes white smoke to come out of tailpipe?
I have '97 pontiac Sunfire. White smoke started coming out of tailpipe. Doesn't seem like I have the power I am supposed to have. Not overheating. There is water? beads on some hoses. Could my water/coolant be leaking? Would that cause it to smoke. Just changed the starter yesterday. Could...

Answer 4

As everybody has already said white smoke is usually a sign of water or coolant being burned in your cylinders. This alone is bad but when you add the lack of power issue this could be a tragic end to your engine if you don't get it to a mechanic right away. I would go as far as to say that you should even tow it there as any water in your cylinders could cause severe damage.

Answer 5

White smoke is usually water. Black smoke is oil. There is possibly a coolant leak. This can be caused by a blown or cracked head gasket. Have it checked right away.

Answer 6

White Pontiac Sunfire

Answer 7

your engine needs overhauling. the white smoke is caused by the engine oil that seeps past the oil rings of your pistons. another probable cause is that the intake valves are not properly seated that oil goes to the combustion chamber and the oil gets ignited with the fuel/gasoline hence the white smoke. if the white smoke is caused by water, the smoke dissipates in the air very quickly, but if it is oil, you will notice that the smoke lingers longer. also the tail pipe will be oily. i amquite sure that it is not water since you said it is not overheating.

Answer 8

It sounds as though you may have an intake manifold gasket leaking. Have the cooling system pressure tested to see if there is a pressure loss. Also have the radiator cap pressure tested, you can also lose coolant through white smoke (steam) if the cap doesn't hold minimum pressure.

Answer 9

You are probably getting coolant leaking into your engine cylinders. When coolant burns it makes white smoke. This can be a serious problem. You need to take your car to a dealer or good mechanic asap.
Good Luck (and next time buy a Honda)

Answer 10

white smoke is usually water but can be fuel also

who ever changed the starter may have knocked off a wire

if the radiator is full drive it to a shop
be careful to watch the temp as overheating will ruin your engine good luck