Strange car behavior?

Question

Hi, so I bought a 2003 Grand Vitara, but it sat in my driveway for like a month and a half, I live in the Northwest, and it's rainy/cold all the time around now.

So I finally started driving it, and all yesterday all day it spewed out this white fog-like no-smell gas from the exhaust, is it something to note, or nothing?

Also my car seems exceptionally slow, I might just have high standards, but if I floor it, it takes a few seconds then it kinda lurches forward but still doesn't have great acceleration, any other ideas?

Thanks!

Answer 1

If the smoke does not go away after the car reaches operating temperatures, then it could be the head gasket. This could also explain the lack of power. A blown head gasket can lead to a loss of compression, thus lowering hp significantly. If there is a sweet smelling smell coming from the exhaust, then you are burning coolant, and this could be due to a blown gasket. If the car has or is overheating, then that's another warning sign. Also, this may cause an excess amount of coolant to enter the overflow. It may also leave an exhaust smell inside the overflow tank. Carefully, pop the top off and give it a smell. BE CAREFUL!!!! You can also take the oil cap off and look for a milky gray ring around the cap. Also, this can be causing water to enter the oil. Check your oil level, then let the car run for about 30 minutes, if the level has risen, then that could be due to water entering the oil. All are symptoms of a blown head gasket.

The best way to tell is to take the car to a radiator shop or other mechanic to get a compression test. The head gasket seems to be the culprit, but there could be something else wrong with the coolant system.

Answer 2

If it keeps blowing white fog-like smoke and you have to keep adding coolant, you could have a serious engine head or intake issue; more likely a head gasket failure at best or cracked cylinder head at worse since you stated it was occurring all the time engine hot and cold. When it smokes like that (here in the south, we jokingly refer them as mosquito killers), I would expect vehicle not to run properly because it is also burning coolant.

Answer 3

Is the "white fog" constant or does it quit after the car warms up. If it doesn't quit you may have a blown head gasket. Don't know much about that model, it may just be a dog.

Answer 4

you may have a head gasket issue. the white smoke if it smells kind of sweet, is your coolent being burnt in the engine .

Answer 5

sounds like it needs a grab adjustment. grab is ideal too on the fringe of the floor. needs to artwork mutually higher up on the pedal. via the indisputable fact that is, no count number how far down you push the grab in it isn't in far adequate to be in a position to placed it in equipment.

Answer 6

maybe water in the gas tank... humidity issues