What is the fault when white exhaust is emitted from the engine exhaust pipe?
4 Answers
There are two situations when white exhaust is emitted from the engine exhaust pipe: 1. White smoke: When white smoke is emitted from the exhaust pipe, it may be due to dirt on the vehicle's air filter causing insufficient air intake, or a fault in the carburetor, or contamination of the oxygen sensor in the exhaust pipe, which prevents the computer from providing correct information for air distribution. 2. White vapor smoke: Normal white vapor smoke is caused by the exhaust gas from the exhaust pipe. When the temperature of these exhaust gases reaches a certain level, they condense into water droplets; if a large amount of white vapor smoke is emitted from the exhaust pipe while the engine is running, check for water in the fuel tank, whether the cylinder gasket is damaged, whether there are cracks in the cylinder, and whether the cylinder sleeve sealing ring is in good condition.
I've been dealing with car troubles for years, and white smoke from the exhaust pipe is a serious warning sign, usually caused by coolant leaking into the combustion chamber. A blown head gasket is the most common culprit, allowing engine coolant to mix and burn with fuel, producing thick white smoke with a sweet smell or steam-like quality. This leads to power loss and rapid engine temperature rise, and if not repaired promptly, can total the engine. From experience, first check the coolant level: when the engine is cold, open the reservoir cap—if the level is too low, it's dangerous. Avoid highway driving at all costs and head straight to a shop for a pressure test diagnosis. In most cases, replacing the head gasket solves the problem, but delaying repairs comes at a high cost.
Once when I was driving, the exhaust pipe was emitting a lot of white smoke, the car felt sluggish, and there was a strange smell. Later, the mechanic said coolant had leaked into the engine, and the cylinder head gasket was damaged. It cost a few hundred dollars to fix, otherwise it could have ruined the engine. Since then, I often check the coolant level, monitoring it once a month. I suggest you do the same—if you notice white smoke, stop and check immediately, don’t wait like I did and risk serious damage. If the coolant is low, add some distilled water as a temporary fix, but get it repaired as soon as possible.
Don't panic when you see white smoke from the exhaust pipe. It's normal to have vapor during cold starts. However, if large amounts of white smoke persist after the engine warms up, it indicates a fault, usually caused by coolant leaking into the cylinders. Immediately check the engine coolant reservoir. If the fluid level is below the minimum line, do not drive. This could be due to issues with the cylinder head gasket or radiator, and delaying repairs can damage the engine. A simple test: check the ground for any oil-water mixture leakage after parking overnight. If problems are found, take it to a professional shop for the safest solution.
