My 1998 Nissan Maxima has approx. 99,000 miles runs fine but every now and then I see white smoke coming out the exhaust pipe. This is random. What does this indicate? Thanks, Jim
2007-05-09 03:34:40 · 10 answers · asked by almostblindin2007 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
white smoke isnt a bad thing its just condensation or coolant burning . if it is bluish white then that is a sure sign that the car is burning oil.
2007-05-09 04:24:10 · answer #1 · answered by COLTS_MUSTANG_FAN_2008 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Burning oil causes blue smoke out the tailpipe. Grey smoke is usually cause by unburnt fuel If it was coolant it would all turn to steam and wouldn't be seen If you see blue smoke on acceleration it is caused by rings If you see blue smoke on deceleration it is valve stem seals. If you haven't had an oil change done recently that will cause the oil to thin and cause the same problems. Either way you should think about looking for an exchange engine if you are thinking of keeping the car for a while longer. If you get the head reconditioned the extra compression from the new head will cause the rings to be the weakest point and wear out even faster and if you replace the ringe the head will give out faster ( normally about 12 months) A short term fix is to get an oil change done and to use a slightly thicker grade engine oil which will take more time before it "leaks" past to be burnt off.
2016-04-01 03:44:39 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is probably just condensation from the exhaust pipes if the smoke is white. How much steam comes out? A lot? Check your block and your head gasket if it is a lot and happens at least once per day.
2007-05-09 03:44:12 · answer #3 · answered by sherijgriggs 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a 1988 honda accord that had 150,000 miles on it and the same thing started happening to me. I would be on the free way and when I gassed it then it would blow white smoke out . It ended up to be an oil leak and the smoke was bassically the oil burning. Check your oil often because it got to a point with mine that I had to fill it up with oil all the time and then I got rid of it.
2007-05-09 03:46:23 · answer #4 · answered by Silvergrl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
White smoke normally indicates that coolant is burning in the engine. Most likely cause is a head gasket, if it is not too bad I would watch coolant level and wait till it gets worse!!
2007-05-09 03:43:04 · answer #5 · answered by Andy T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
White smoke (steam actually) could indicate a head gasket failure, but I think that would be constant, not random.
2007-05-09 03:43:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is white and not bluish white, it is just condesation in the exhaust system. If it is blueish white, you are burning oil. Since it is only from time to time, I would be willing to bet that it is just condesation.
2007-05-09 03:38:41 · answer #7 · answered by Jody D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
usually steam from a leaking head gasket or if your car is an automatic a leaking modulator valve that allows transmission fluid to be drawn into inlet manifold Best regards Mick UK
2007-05-09 03:42:38 · answer #8 · answered by mick 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
moisture in the ambient not related to the engine per set
2007-05-09 03:57:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
moisture...if you drive short trips u dont get it hot enough to dry up the exaust system..no worry
2007-05-09 03:41:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋