Exhaust Smoke

[Patrick82]

Hello, qucik question for whoever can help. I have a 2001 Pathfinder with 228,000 miles on it and noticed about a month a go that white smoke was coming from the tail pipe. It only happens when I accelerate after the car has been sitting longer than 8 hours it doesn't do it on start up just acceleration for about ten seconds if even that then goes away. Someone was behind me the other day and said to me that it smelt; like what I have no idea. I notice for about a couple of months that the exhaust has become real throaty and I had the muffler replace did fix the problem. Does one have to do with the other if not any suggestions on either? I do wash it alot!! Can it just be water getting into someplace it should and burning off? NE help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Pathfound49]

Check your coolant level. If that holds steady after a week or so. At least you may be able to rule out a leaky head gasket.

[Towncivilian]

It might just be condensation. Check your oil filler cap for white goo (affectionately termed "mayonnaise" by some). If there is, take a long drive on the highway to burn off any excess condensation in the oil.

[asnorton44]

When I had a cylinder misfire I had smoke coming out the exhaust until the car warmed up.

[ARKQX33V6]

Patrick, with the mileage that you have you should do:
A leak down test
A compression test a dry cold, a dry hot a wet hot
Verify coolant level remains constant
Check oil for coolant
Check coolant for oil

Examine spark plugs for wear, contamination and carbon and oil.

These examinations will put your mind at ease if all is right.

[vannaksao]

OP, Did you ever find out what the issue was? A few months ago, every now and then, the car would blow white smoke on a cold start up. It would also misfire ever now and then as well. Sometimes it missed, no white smoke. Sometimes it didn't miss, still got white smoke. Vice versa. Now, it misses about 95% of the time, and blows white smoke 99% of the time. Also, during this whole time, my coolant levels have been getting low every 4 or 5 days. Its leaking by the radiator cap a little, but I know it maybe leaking elsewhere too. Not to mention, BEFORE it was misfiring a few month ago, the engine overheated a couple times- not for an extended period of time though.

I'm going to check the oil for coolant, and the coolant for oil. You guys think I blew a head gasket?

Thanks,
Vannak

[Buzzman]

OP, Did you ever find out what the issue was? A few months ago, every now and then, the car would blow white smoke on a cold start up. It would also misfire ever now and then as well. Sometimes it missed, no white smoke. Sometimes it didn't miss, still got white smoke. Vice versa. Now, it misses about 95% of the time, and blows white smoke 99% of the time. Also, during this whole time, my coolant levels have been getting low every 4 or 5 days. Its leaking by the radiator cap a little, but I know it maybe leaking elsewhere too. Not to mention, BEFORE it was misfiring a few month ago, the engine overheated a couple times- not for an extended period of time though.

I'm going to check the oil for coolant, and the coolant for oil. You guys think I blew a head gasket?

Thanks,
Vannak

You have just described all of the classic symptoms of a leaking head gasket. I'd bet money on it.

(On a side note, the original poster on this thread has never responded since his original question.
I've noticed this before where someone will sign up on this forum, put out one posting looking for an answer to a problem, and then never coming back ever again?
I don't get it.
Oh well.)
Cheers.

[Towncivilian]

Try replacing your radiator cap with an OEM one to begin with, and check your coolant for oil contamination (I think this would show up as milkiness, or maybe that's the oil, I don't quite remember).

[vannaksao]

Yea, man- if the problem has been solved, tell us what you did! Lol.

It's not actually leaking FROM the radiator cap, but rather, around the neck of the radiator itself. So I know for sure that the radiator has to be replaced. Unless you guys know of any type of sealant that I could patch that up with? Idk, a part of me just wants to replace the whole thing- probably would be more safe in the long run. Money is tight though, so I'll do a compression test for leaks, and do the necessary.

I didn't mention earlier that a few months ago I replaced all the plugs on the car, and one coil. Checked the plugs and coils, they are fine. No codes. In ADDITION to all the sh*t that is wrong with the car...my damn exhaust is falling apart. My rear muffler recently rusted off, so I welded a straight pipe onto the center muffler. THAT'S working fine, but a little further up towards the engine there's a little rattling, and I can hear the exhaust leak.

So taking into consideration ALLLL this sh*t that's happening, I think I may have blown a HG when I let the car overheat, on more than one occasion. You guys ever do one? Scale on 1-10, how hard is it to do on a 2003 Pathy? Do you guys have any links that may assist me with the new s***-tastic project? Thanks for all the help, and thank you ARK.

Despite all the problems this car is giving me, I still love it. 153k and the car is still solid; it still rides tight, as oppose to loose and clanky- if that makes any sense.

[CBUS]

Hi Fellas, I also have this same issue....I bought an 07 Pathfinder SE, with 45000 about a year ago (Summer of 2010). The previous owner definitely treated the inside rough, but with a little cleaning, and some elbow grease it looks goo now, plus it had a lot of nice perks (DVD player, Bose system, ipod hook up, and it ran well, so in my eyes it was a solid car). As a coach, and new dad, I needed an upgrade from a 12 year old Jeep, so with the room, and the overall ride to me it seemed like a good buy. About a month ago I saw white smoke coming out of the tailpipe on start up and then it went away, the car seemed to be driving fine, and the check engine light never came on. Over the year Ive had it had no major issues, except the battery gave out on me, brought to the dealer, they readjusted no big deal. I have brought this car back 3 times (regarding the smoke), showed them a video of the problem....they continually say we cannot duplicate it. I'm at a loss. I got an extended service contract to cover me to a 100,000 miles...I'm just so shot as to what to do now. Any suggestions? I am by no means a car guy, I essentially know how to change a flat, check the oil, antifreeze and windshield fluid...So without getting too technical on me, what might be causing the problem?

[ARKQX33V6]

With a 100,000 added warranty drive it and let the warrantor look after it.

But, typical white smoke means, cold exhaust, coolant mixed in with exhaust. Stick your finger in the tail pipe after the exhaust is white and with a stopped engine. Smell your finger, taste your finger. Coolant is toxic to humans, but tastes sweet. If your taste test is sweet your burning a mixture of coolant and oil and gas.

Check you coolant over flow tank, is the level lowering, rising. Test your coolant for oil, test your oil for coolant.

These sub systems are separate but can co mingle with a bad head gasket, cracked head(s), main block problems.

DO A COMPRESSION AND/OR LEAK DOWN TEST and compare your results with a good engine, all pressure about the same with max being within 20% of new. new about 170 PSIG, OK at 136 PSIG and higher but even at 90 PSIG engine will work.

A leak down test will help ID the cylinder area with problems.

These test are every day tests about 2 hours for results, but will cost you whereas a blown engine may be warranted because of your recent purchase of extended care.

[vannaksao]

Cylinder 3 is misfiring because the tip of the plug has a little oil on it. I pull the plug, clean and put it back in, run the car, and when I pull the plug again- there more oil. So I think I have some piston ring problems too in that cylinder. The car starts up strong, but after a couple of miles, I can feel it bogging and misfiring. Do you guys suggest a complete engine overhaul or a gasket/piston ring replacement? Or maybe just trade the damn car in for something else? I just hit 156k on it.

Thanks,
Vannak

[CBUS]

Been over a year..fellas I posted over a year ago...I've got a 2007 Pathfinder..long story somewhat short, after buying pre-owned with 47000 miles I got the extended warranty to 100,000 miles. After buying in August of 2010, around April of 2011 I noticed abnormal excessive white smoke on start up...having leak down test, and eventually a year later a oil consumption test... The dealership finally acknowledge that the engine was leaking oil (I think it was bad valve seals or engine was just shot).... Either way, I got a call today after brining the car back like 8 times...that they are replacing my engine with what the service rep called a new engine...I'm thinking...great, a new engine..but I know there are still some concerns...can anyone help with the types of questions I should ask about the engine replacement?

While I do believe (maybe more like pray) this will solve my issue...I know while the news was positive, there is always a deeper level of questioning that needs to occur...any assistance would be so helpful.

Thanks,
CBUS