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| Coolant coming out of exhaust pipes... (Page 1/4) |
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Cliff Pennock
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MAY 19, 07:56 AM
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I replaced my broken waterpump and started my Fiero up for the first time only to find out it was leaking coolant from somewhere pretty bad. Today I jacked up the car to see where it came form and it was actually leaking coolant from two small holes, one in an exhaust pipe, the other in the catalyst. White smoke was coming from my exhausts.
I let it idle for a few minutes and the engine was actually purring along nicely.
I don't think this is something new. I can remember white smoke coming out of the exhaust for quite some time, and refilling the coolant was also something I had to do regularly (I knew I had a leak somewhere but never found out where).
So could it be a blown head gasket? Intake gasket? How do I troubleshoot this?
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wftb
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MAY 19, 08:22 AM
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White smoke when you first start up is normal. It is condensation that will turn in to water vapour as the engine warms up. Then you won't see any white smoke until the next cold start. Drops of water coming out of the tailpipe or dripping at joints is normal too until the engine warms up. Unless you can actually tell the leaks are antifreeze there is nothing to worry about.
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86 GT built 2.2 ecotec turbo
rear SLA suspension
QA1 coilovers on tube arms[This message has been edited by wftb (edited 05-19-2020).]
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Cliff Pennock
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MAY 19, 08:34 AM
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It's not a few drops, it's *a lot* that's coming out.
It also explains a few things. First of all, I have two leaks in my exhaust system. Both leaks are at the lowest points of the exhaust system. So where the coolant would collect. Also, before my water pump failed, I had to add coolant every 1-2 months or so.
Also, for the past year or so that I was still driving the car (and when I started the car yesterday and today), whenever I cold started the engine I always had the feeling one cylinder wasn't firing (it sounded like it wasn't). After a few minutes, the engine would run normal. This could easily be explained by a wet spark plug.
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DimeMachine
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MAY 19, 08:43 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by Cliff Pennock:
It's not a few drops, it's *a lot* that's coming out.
It also explains a few things. First of all, I have two leaks in my exhaust system. Both leaks are at the lowest points of the exhaust system. So where the coolant would collect. Also, before my water pump failed, I had to add coolant every 1-2 months or so.
Also, for the past year or so that I was still driving the car (and when I started the car yesterday and today), whenever I cold started the engine I always had the feeling one cylinder wasn't firing (it sounded like it wasn't). After a few minutes, the engine would run normal. This could easily be explained by a wet spark plug.
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Yes, pull all the plugs and see which one stands out. It should look very different.
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fierofool
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MAY 19, 09:04 AM
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creaky78
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MAY 19, 10:03 AM
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Everything you are saying points to a head gasket leak. Take a whiff of the exhaust, it probably smells like antifreeze.
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Will
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MAY 19, 10:05 AM
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Coolant in the oil is very bad, but easy to see.
First step is to inspect the plugs, as noted.
Next is to run a compression test and see if a cylinder shows up low.
Then take off the engine coolant fill cap and remove the thermostat, then put pressurized air into the cylinder that showed low... if it's leaking into the cooling system, then you'll push coolant out the fill.
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2.5
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MAY 19, 12:29 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by creaky78:
Everything you are saying points to a head gasket leak. Take a whiff of the exhaust, it probably smells like antifreeze. |
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I agree.
This:
"white smoke coming out of the exhaust for quite some time, and refilling the coolant was also something I had to do regularly"
Not finding an external leak..
..is antifreeze burning in the cylinders with the fuel and air. A head gasket is the usual cause.
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Dennis LaGrua
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MAY 19, 01:26 PM
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Pull the dipstick and see the oil color. Light brown means water in oil. Next do a pressure check of the cooling system . You use a pressure tester and pump it up to 18 lbs or so. If it doesn't hold the pressure you have a leak somewhere. Likely- You just replaced the water pump and you could have disturbed the engine to timing cover gasket seal. Until you find the leak do not drive the car.
Narrowing things down to all possibilities; the timing cover seal (or maybe unsealed water pump bolts), head gasket or intake manifold gasket leak.
As you just worked there, my guess is a timing cover seal leak.------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
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Raydar
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MAY 19, 01:57 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:
...
As you just worked there, my guess is a timing cover seal leak.
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Based upon the info provided (Steam. Water dripping from the exhaust system. Previous ongoing coolant loss.) I disagree.
If the oil remains clean, and doesn't assume that "mocha milkshake" look, the timing cover seal should be fine. The timing cover would allow water to get into the oil. NOT the cylinders, as appears to be happening.
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