How to Solve White Smoke from a Gasoline Engine?
2 Answers
White smoke hitting the back of your hand with water droplets indicates that water has entered the cylinder. The single-cylinder fuel cut-off method can be used to identify the leaking cylinder. When white smoke appears from a gasoline engine, you can increase the engine's operating temperature. If the issue persists, it can be determined that the fuel injector has poor atomization or is dripping fuel.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and white smoke from a gasoline engine is mostly due to issues in the cooling system, such as a worn head gasket or cracked cylinder head allowing coolant to enter the combustion chamber and turn into steam that gets expelled. If you notice this, immediately turn off the engine and stop in a safe place—don't push it further to avoid total engine failure. A quick check: if the radiator fluid level is low, top it up with water as an emergency measure, but this isn't a permanent fix. The most reliable solution is to visit a repair shop to replace the head gasket or inspect the cylinder head seal. For prevention, change to high-quality coolant annually to keep the system clean. Frequent short trips can accelerate corrosion—I've seen a neighbor's car turn a minor issue into a major overhaul due to delayed repairs. It's crucial to pay attention to routine maintenance details to avoid future troubles.
