Hi, I hope someone can help. My car uses a big jug of coolant every week, and whenever i put coolant in it blows out these big white poofy smoke clouds. I have taken my car to a mechanic who told me I had nothing to worry about unless it started blowing out black smoke. But it really stinks and people are afraid to ride in my car. I don't really know what to do, I was told once that it would cost $300 to fix it, this was from a different mechanic. I'm afraid of getting ripped off, so I really would like to know what the problem is before I take it in.
2007-12-22 14:49:50 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You've got coolant leaking into the combustion system (cylinders), that's what the white smoke and bad smell is. Don't take it to the idiot who told you not to worry unless you got black smoke. He IS an idiot and shouldn't be allowed to work on cars. You need to find out where the leak is. The most likely spot is a bad head gasket. Sometimes replacing the gasket will fix it. But if the head is warped that will have to be machined before the gasket is replaced. See if any of your friends, coworkers or family members know a reliable mechanic and take it to him. Good luck.
2007-12-22 14:58:44 · answer #1 · answered by mustanger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the smoke is white and it smells like antifreeze, then most likely you have a blown head gasket or a cracked cylinder head. If it's the gasket, then coolant is leaking into the cylinders and being burnt along with the fuel and producing the smoke. If it turns out this is the problem, $300 might get it fixed, but that figure sounds a few hundred dollars low. The cylinder head would have to be removed and checked for cracks and warpage. If the head is warped (common for aluminum heads) it will need to be machined and that will add to the cost. Many times when the head is removed, a good mechanic can inspect the gasket and tell where it had been leaking, and he might be able to tell if the head is cracked. Keep a close eye on the condition of your oil..... if it begins to get coolant in it, it will start to look like chocolate milk, and can seriously effect the oil's ability to properly lubricate the moving parts in the engine...... and damage to the piston rings, cylinder walls and bearings can occur. Ask around to find a competent, fair-priced mechanic if you're afraid of being ripped off.
2007-12-22 15:12:16 · answer #2 · answered by dathinman8 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a bad head gasket. It will cost more than $300 to fix I'm sure of that because it's all labor. The part itself (gasket) is cheap. Maybe $50. It's a 12 y/o car & to honest, I would just get rid of it. You may not have the money for a different car, but the repair on the Chevy will be better spent as a down payment on something else more fuel efficient. Besides, with today gas prices and environmental issues, don't you want a nice clean efficient car? I would.
2007-12-22 14:57:55 · answer #3 · answered by The Eagle Keeper 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the first person who posted. A jug of coolant a week IS NOT NORMAL and there are more problems that what you might know at the moment. Mechanics are trained to rip you off and keep you coming back; like crack dealers or something. Find a friend that is willing to go with you there and get in their *** about getting ripped off or that knows something about cars.
2007-12-22 14:59:17 · answer #4 · answered by tonepoet 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
eather like they say its a bad head gasket or u got a crack somewear in the engine witch is letting coolent leek into your cylinders
2007-12-22 16:18:28 · answer #5 · answered by Daniel Colebourne 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it sound like your head gaskets are blown and is that it will cost you $300
2007-12-22 14:56:53 · answer #6 · answered by frost ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
GM SUCK
2007-12-22 14:57:01 · answer #7 · answered by realalex1985 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋