Learn 3 Symptoms of Blown Head Gasket

How to diagnose a bad (blown) head gasket at home:
1. oil dipstick contaminated with coolant which gives appearance of chocolate milkshake
2. overflow tank mixing with oil which also gives appearance of chocolate milkshake
3. extreme puffs of WHITE smoke coming out of tail pipe and sweet smelling
❗️If you find this video helpful, I would appreciate a $uper Thanks that can be found below the video.
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The videos on Motorcarnut channel are posted with informational purpose only.
Information posted in this video does not guarantee any particular result. Use this information provided in the video with caution and at your own risk. It is the responsibility of the viewer to take this risk.
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[@Jacklee-qh1cv]

If your car is boiling and you don't have any other symptoms replace the radiator cap. You'd be surprised how many people have had a head gasket replaced and it's just a faulty radiator cap.

[@motorcarnut]

Very true

[@motorcarnut]

@@macgilligan9726 Hi, assuming the scooter is water cooled? That white smoke, if it's alot and doesn't go away, is NOT a cracked exhaust pipe, that has nothing to do with the smoking. It can be one of the 3, cracked head ,cylinder block or head gasket problem. With the head gasket being the most likely cause, unless the person you bought it from ran straight water in the engine and it froze over? The smell of fuel also leads me to believe the head gasket is at fault and leaking causing low compression and unburnt fuel to escape throught the exhaust along with the white smoke. Hope this helps you some.

[@motorcarnut]

@@macgilligan9726 White smoke from an air cooled engine would be considered normal to me, blue smoke would indicate burning rich { carb problem } or burning oil. Without seeing the scooter and how it runs that's my guess.

[@londonwatson7342]

Interesting. My car has started to boil which it never does. I let her warm up before I drive, and I don’t punch it so I was like “no it can’t be blown yet” so I’ll check my cap

[@JayLupe]

@@macgilligan9726 check your oil level, sometimes if theres too much oil in the engine it throws alot of smoke. 2nd check your carb. 3rd could be your head gasket or engine block.

[@thetuesdaywhistler]

Yeah, and, while you're there, with the engine running, but not hot, remove the coolant cap and see if it bubbling/exhaust gases in there - another simple check to see if the head gasket is blown.

[@motorcarnut]

That’s correct.

[@MrBrooksV]

Great video! I actually have a 2011 Mazda 3 and today (same color and all) had the head gasket replaced. My mechanic told me about getting it replaced a few weeks back while tuning up and I’m now looking at these problems. I’m swapping cars with my fiancé while I’m away in the military and I’m extremely grateful that I didn’t risk any of these issues. Very insightful and more people need to be aware of this!

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.

[@amiralihedayati3625]

Hey men. Why did you replace your gasket? What was the symptoms?

[@motorcarnut]

Watch the video

[@robertcolebrook7196]

You were great.

[@whitdough8150]

Had a dream that I was sitting in a Lamborghini truck with no mi till I woke up to smoke coming from the hood of my van, but the good thing is it didn't overheat - which was strange. Cars are like people the older they get the more one has to maintain them.

[@motorcarnut]

Lol, that's true

[@TheLoLzSickKidz]

Sub for 35 years experience. Thank you Sir.

[@motorcarnut]

you're welcome!

[@unom5579]

@@motorcarnut hi. I have a citroen c4 1.4. Car runs ok, but in the coolant tank i see some very minor oil spots. I dont see any bubbling in the coolant tank. Some water drops are going out of the exhaust even with the car warm, i tasted it but doesnt taste like coolant though. If i let the engine warm, if i remove the coolant tank cap, the coolant level rises about 2 fingers. Is it normal? Can a head gasket be burned if there are no bubbling in the coolant tank?

[@motorcarnut]

Everything you explain is normal except oil in the coolant overflow. Could be a head gasket starting to fail, probably why oil is mixing with coolant.

[@unom5579]

@@motorcarnut the engine also has, in corners, at the head gasket location, external oil leaks over the block. I put coolant in the tank up to the neck while the engine running and warm, and i saw some coolant is getting out. Everytime the fan kicks in, coolant drops a bit and i see a big bubble, but only at that time. If i accelerate or something, no bubbles there. I also noticed something, so i wanna ask you. When i first start the car, from inside the car, i hear a quick water bubbling in the dash. I know i heard this only in other 2 cars with head gasket isssues..Did you notice this also? Are there also other ways to detect a failing head gasket? maybe remove the spark plugs and see if one is cleaner? or something? i dont wanna spend alot to replace the head gasket without being necessary.

[@motorcarnut]

When the coolant rises when it’s hot it’s normal and when the fan kicks in it lowers is also normal. Your coolant level should be at the high mark not to the rim in the overflow tank. But you have leaks at the head gasket that is not good. Yes you can take out all the spark plugs and see it any look different from each other. And you can pressurized each cylinder with compressed air and see if any bubbles are coming out through the overflow tank, if there is bubbles than the head gasket is most like bad. The coolant noise inside the car could be a concern but check what I said first.

[@daggichetty9270]

Hi, very informative and helpful site.....please assist...... I have a 2006 ford fiesta, 1.4i, mk5 with a Duratec engine. Water in the water bottle boils when the vehicle runs long distance or when going over short distances, stop and go situations.The heater gauge goes passed the half way mark and fan does come on but by that time the water is already boiling. I have done the head gasket, changed the water pump, fan and the radiator. Took of the thermostat but the wayer dtill boils.....i think that i did everything possible but my car still has the same problem, not sure what to do...any ideas, solutions guys, will appreciate your comments.rgd Doug

[@motorcarnut]

Did you change the radiator or expansion tank cap?

[@TurboTitan840hp]

Short and to the point. Thank you

[@motorcarnut]

My pleasure

[@Joki-oh7ep]

If I see coolant on the floor does that mean it HAS NOT got into the engine? Please advise.

[@motorcarnut]

No, it just means either you have a leak somewhere or the engine is overheating and boiling out on to the floor.

[@bellsherly1987]

@@motorcarnut but if the engine is keept on overheating if loong way drive.. is it posssible the head gasket was blown or something?

[@mscott3309]

I’m trying to to figure out if my wife has a blown head gasket. She has none of the symptoms except the white smoke which last only a minute or less when you start the car after it has been off for a while. I changed the oil and it doesn’t look like it’s mixed , the coolant level is fine , and it doesn’t over heat .

[@motorcarnut]

Could just be normal condensation, but the do make test strips you can buy that will detect exhaust gases in the coolant system which would indicate a head gasket problem or not.

[@geoepi321975]

Remove the thermostat, and recheck for bubbles, the oil passages maybe away from water passages, and check to see if you hear a deep bass sound from the exhaust

[@GFLCB]

Makes sense about the coolant now. I was wondering wtf keeps happening to my coolant when I had no leak in the line. And my car is running and idling rough as hell. Man wtf! Smh to my money pit. 🙇

[@motorcarnut]

Sorry to hear that, you can take out the spark plugs and see if you see coolant in the cylinders, you’ll know for sure.

[@anitasandall]

Thank you for the clear, helpful and to the point advice; much appreciated.

[@motorcarnut]

Sure, no problem!

[@rickiefeatherstone]

Don't forget, usually it's a component that caused the over heating. Loke water pump, radiator, etc. Replacing gasket or engine and not the cause will only get you a second blown gasket.

[@motorcarnut]

Good info! This video is about identifying.

[@johnstarks32]

My car eats oil.. Do u think the excessive oil seaping into the seals and valve cover could cause a blown gasket?

[@motorcarnut]

No

[@yenpham-jb4wo]

Seal around pistons are worn probably burning an unholy amount of oil. I believe 2008-2011 Camrys had this problem

[@aieshaharris5340]

I have a car question that I told to the experienced mechanic that works at the car lot that I bought the car from. Well it’s a 2011 Jeep Cherokee and I smell a burning smell from under hood and he said don’t worry it will go away in a few days.. it’s due to a valve cover gasket replacement and they spilled oil. 3 weeks later I still smell it. Also sometimes when I crank up or when my car is idiling , white smoke comes from my tailpipe. It ran just pass the middle of the temperature gauge today but immediately cooled back down. Thanks in advance

[@motorcarnut]

Well the oil burning smell is not normal especially after 3 weeks they probably never replaced it. When I do valve cover gasket’s I clean the area so it doesn’t leak onto the exhaust system anywhere after the repair. A slight sign of white smoke( condensation) is normal when the vehicle is cold however not when fully warmed up and coolant gauge if accurate should not pass the middle unless in extreme conditions like towing or climbing up mountain roads.

[@YouceffKabal]

We have a 2005 Jeep Liberty and it’s doing the same thing. White smoke out of exhaust on idle after valve/cylinder head cover gaskets were replaced. I thought it was blowing white smoke because oil was leaking from the valve cover into the exhaust, but now I’m starting to think the head gasket might be to blame. Did you ever find out what was wrong with your Jeep? edit: there’s also smoke in the engine bay…

[@anythingrc4715]

@@YouceffKabal what that could mean is a cracked manifold, leaking the white smoke from the bad head gasket into the engine bay.

[@360whiplash]

I recently found that milky substance under the filler cap and on the dipstick of my car and a few days ago I had the oil changed and used motor flush to clean out the engine. So far the oil has remained clean and normal and the car runs normal and doesn't overheat or emit any white smoke. I assumed it was just condensation due to the winter weather and only making short trips in it, keeping it under 20 miles a week. It does consume a lot of coolant with no leaks in the bottom and it the fluid inside the radiator is dirty and oily despite installing a new radiator six months ago.

[@motorcarnut]

Doesn't sound good. Your head gasket is probably on its way out. Should not consume coolant or have milky substance in the 6 month old radiator. You should have the coolant tested for any exhaust gasses mixed in with. If you do, replacement is the only cure.

[@robbiestewart1984]

Just found your video my rav 4 is currently in the shop as result of what was initially thought to be a blown head gasket but was cleared of milkshake mixture turns out it was the rods that are meant to keep coolant and water sealed in engine with rod 1 & 2 having lost all their tension and were just sitting in the holes The head gasket plate is still in one piece and only very teeny tiny amount of warpage to cylinder so all my mechanic has to do is remove threading from both holes and re-tap them so the bolts fit in there with full tension

[@motorcarnut]

You’re talking about the head bolts that became loose? If the engine was taking apart before I’d say it was human error but if the engine was never taken apart than the head gasket did blow. You may of not got oil mixing with coolant but it did overheat hence the warpage.

[@robbiestewart1984]

@Motorcarnut ah yes the head bolts thanks for correcting me bolts 1 &2 were no longer tensioned when my mechanic check it over

[@adzere4u]

In your experience what would you say about oil in coolant bottle which is clear like new oil on a 2007 nissan note with no over heating

[@motorcarnut]

There is a failure somewhere. Head gasket comes to mind first. Car does not have to overheat for a gasket to fail or you have a crack in the head somewhere.

[@charlesgomez5593]

What other reason would air be getting into my system and causing it to overheat? No smoke, no milky oil, no oil residue in reservoir. Awesome video and its giving me hope that I don’t have a blown gasket SO FAR. I have a 2016 kia with 133k miles. I have replaced thermostat, cooling sensor, radiator cap, coolant housing. performed radiator clean and flush. The only place I am losing coolant is from the reservoir overfilling and only during 30 min+ long drives. And im assuming its because air gets into cooling system by that point

[@charlesgomez5593]

Thank you very much in advance

[@motorcarnut]

If the coolant system is not bled properly it would cause it to overheat. Also the only way air can get into the coolant system is a leaking head gasket pumping up the system. Hopefully it just has to be re bled.

[@charlesgomez5593]

@@motorcarnut thank you for that, I've parked up a steep incline (lol) and used the coolant funnel system to purge all the air out a few times already.

[@charlesgomez5593]

@@motorcarnut is doing a vacuum bleeding of the air a must on certain vehicles?

[@motorcarnut]

Do this, when the car is overnight cold, squeeze the top radiator hose with engine off to get an idea how much pressure it takes then start the engine and wait about 2 minutes if the hose feels the same as when cold that’s a good sign but if it feels harder then the cylinders are pumping up the coolant system because of a head gasket leak or cracked head. Because in 2 minutes the car is not hot enough to build pressure caused by heat. Make sense?

[@brendan4663]

@Motorcarnut, thanks for the informative video. I've been trying to diagnose my 2013 VW Amarok TDI420. Looks like EGR has been removed/deleted. Coolant expansion tank/system is over-pressurising with a lot of bubbling occurring, smells like exhaust fumes, plus there is a black soot-like deposit on the tank walls. No white smoke out of exhaust. No 'chocolate milkshake' visible yet. No sign of diesel in coolant. Possibly the slightest trace of oil, but very hard to tell & could just be from the exhaust fumes? Already replaced expansion tank cap. I'm thinking this means there is a head gasket crack forcing exhaust gases into the coolant lines, but not big enough to lose coolant into the cylinders, Is there anything else it could be, before I go and ask my mechanic to take a look at the head? Any suggestions really appreciated. Also concerned about driving it to my mechanic, wondering if it's worth a tow? No apparent issues with starting, idle, etc. No temp gauge on the VW Amarok, just coolant warning light, which was flicking on and off the last time I drove it.

[@motorcarnut]

The EGR valve is missing probably because they are known to fail pretty often and there was a recall for that. Could of been the EGR cooler was leaking into the coolant system and pumping it up if they did remove it AND it's still pumpiing up the coolant system then It does sound like the head gasket is going because you shouldn't have soot deposits in the overflow tank at all. And the exhaust flume smell confirms that to me. Best bet is to have a good mechanic check it out who knows VW's. Honestly, being diesels have more compression then gasoline engines, unless the mechanic is within 1 mile or kilometer to drive the truck there I'd have the car towed because chances are the head is probably already damaged but may still be salvageable. Good luck

[@mikeydesaint8254]

I have a 2010 Hyundai sonata when I bought it it had a coolant leak out of the thermostat housing replaced it with a aluminum housing and it seemed to be fine the thermostat gage doesn’t work nor does the gas gage I drove it it for weeks but today on the way home we heard a pop under the hood pulled over in a parking lot and under the hood the hose from the heating core was popped off the housing (bottom one) Put it back on opened the radiator cap and it was clogged with black puddy or something I dug it out and you could hear some pressure release I filled it back up with maybe a quarter of coolant and the rest in water and when it was burping it was foaming a little bit also the coolant reservoir also had some black sludge in it

[@motorcarnut]

You blew the head gasket

[@Deezarehairy]

You left out the part where the only symptom is compression from the cylinder escapes into to radiator forcing coolant into the overflow tank Mines doing that at the moment. No other signs just bubbles in the radiator.

[@motorcarnut]

Yes you’re correct, I made another video on 2 other symptoms and it included this one.

[@missmistyeyedd]

I have a 2017 Honda civic Turbo. It is not blowing nearly as much smoke as that Mazda. But when I’m at a red light- and then go once it’s green- it blows a good amount of white smoke out. Smells like burning oil. Just got an oil change yesterday. Seems to be worse.

[@motorcarnut]

Can be the turbo

[@gabrielgalaxygh]

Mine starts up really easy has white smoke though no oil on coolant and I just changed oil but didnt seem unusually brown. The bike sat for years so I expected the fluids to be bad

[@motorcarnut]

I'm sorry, but other then what I told you, I don't know what the problem would be without seeing the bike.

[@gabrielgalaxygh]

@@motorcarnut if you have time I can post I video of it

[@wolfeadventures]

I am losing a couple oz of coolant every 150 miles. No big clouds of steam. No leaks. No codes. No rough idle. It’s a total mystery! 2011 4Runner. 245k miles.

[@motorcarnut]

Got to be a leak somewhere or you’re burning it and don’t see it yet.

[@SMURFEEZ]

Thank you buddy I caught my over heat right after I got off the highway and by my coolant outlet pipe it was hissing nd water or oil on it

[@motorcarnut]

Great, glad to hear you caught it in time!

[@jupiterlegaspi7528]

My Jetta 2012 is currently showing temperature light on dashboard and a minor steam from engine after driving it for 15 mins- overheating. My car doesn’t have the 3 symptoms you mentioned and I’m hoping the mechanic will tell me that my engine doesn’t have a blown gasket. Hope tomorrow is my lucky day.

[@motorcarnut]

Good luck!

[@naturesrecovery4516]

Hello, 2002 BMW X5, I do have white smoke from my exaust, on start up then it subcides. I notice last year a creaming color on my oil cap and around the cap fitting, and a little on the oil dip stick. I don't drive to often, short trips because of the age of the car. My father says BMW'S are not short trip cars and you have to drive them long distances sometimes to burn off Condensation, he said thats why I'm getting the thick white smoke, but I don't know, I don't want to take it on the highway and it breaks down on me haha. Blown casket or Condensation? Sorry for the long comment haha. BTW it does smoke while I'm driving also, its like it does it off and on.

[@motorcarnut]

If any vehicle isn't used for a good amount of time it will have some slight milky oil color under the oil filler cap, this is normal also when you first start a cold vehicle there will be white smoke but not thick sweet smelling smoke. So I can't say for sure since I'm not there, I would change oil and filter and flush coolant system then drive it around town get it nice and hot and check your fluid levels and go further and further with it to see if it stops smoking and radiator fans come on and off.

[@mrme9517]

Forgot about alot of bubbles or pressure in the radiator for a bad head gasket as well

[@motorcarnut]

Didn’t forget, this was only 3 symptoms but thank you for adding this to the comment, will help others I’m sure.

[@mrme9517]

​@Motorcarnut got ya it gets overlooked often and can be missed appreciate the info 🎉🎉

[@goodnewsmusic.5638]

Thank you for the video! Keep up the good work. God bless 🙏🏼

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you!

[@Layla-mt9pc]

Thanks my car ticks the 3 boxes of trouble shooting 👍 brilliant vid after looking at other vids,your number one👍

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate it!

[@diegomelendez9918]

Very helpful video thank you I have that same problem where the coolant is not mixing with the oil......coolant runs low when I drive it and leaks different places below the vehicle...is it cause their is a blockage in the combustion chamber?

[@motorcarnut]

Thank you, well it depends where it’s leaking from underneath the car? Could be a leak in the radiator or hose or pumping up the coolant overflow and leaking down underneath as well. You have to see the location where it’s leaking from first. Good idea to dry everything as best as possible then watch where the leaks are coming from

[@Poofesure1]

Thx! I got my 2000 gmc sierra 1500 head gasket replaced. My profile picgure is my 2000 gmc

[@motorcarnut]

Great! Should last a long time now!

[@nonamel6377]

Hey. My 1977 corvette has recently started to have a hiss in the radiator and there is a slight and occasional coolant leak. Took it to a rad specialist, who told me it should be fine for the time being (I'm taking it in in a couple of days to get sorted out). However; the car has developed a clicking or almost knocking sound. Checked the oil, no lack of pressure or milky texture. There isn't any smoke coming from the exhaust, and the car runs and drives well. I'm sure the engine is on its way to overheating, but I'm terrified of a head gasket going out.

[@motorcarnut]

Overheating can cause engine knock if it stays hot enough to cause damage. You should have the car checked by a mechanic before using it anymore

[@12wegohard]

Did you figure out what it was ?

[@nonamel6377]

@@12wegohard ohyeah, my radiator was leaking. Pulled it out and sent it to a radiator shop, haven't had any issues since (this was half a year ago now lol)

[@FlipBoji]

@@nonamel6377 yo question. How much did that cost you?

[@asiaanea4775]

@@FlipBoji radiators depending on make & model go for about $400+

[@shanniquemichaels7496]

Hey, So I don't know much about cars, but my car started giving that white smoke, and someone suggested getting gasket magic. Another thing is, sometimes when I drive, it feels like the car is losing power because the gears take long to change, and when it eventually changes to the next gear, the power is up again. Any advise?

[@motorcarnut]

You may have a head gasket problem or something else, no way to know without being there. I don’t recommend any sealers but you can do anything you want. I would have a local mechanic advise more.

[@jhammond4344]

Awesome thank you!

[@motorcarnut]

You're welcome!

[@donatt2980]

My car doesnt overheat or blow smoke but it loses coolant. Every week i have to do a bit of refilling.No leaks found so far

[@motorcarnut]

It’s probably burning it but not bad enough to see smoke.

[@donatt2980]

@@motorcarnut do I have to replace the head gasket then

[@motorcarnut]

Well without the car in front of me I don’t want to say 100% yes, you should have a mechanic check it out first just to confirm. Could also have a small leak only when hot which is harder to find.

[@gonzalotorres4570]

hey man appreciate the video, i recently had a radiator hose blown and there was water in the entire hood. i replaced it and its all okay but i recently pulled out the oil cap and there was a green residue like coolant so im not sure if my head gasket has blown as well. i cleaned the cap and checked today and there was no residue again, there is no white smoke in the exhaust, the dipstick is fine, coolant level is ok, im just worried about that residue that was in the oil cap and today my low oil pressure light came on for seconds then disappeared, thank you in advance!

[@motorcarnut]

No problem thanks. How long did you drive with the blown hose or how hot did the coolant gauge get before shutting it off? There should not be any coolant in the oil like you know already. A little condensation under the oil cap is normal but not green as that’s coolant.

[@gonzalotorres4570]

@@motorcarnut hey man sorry to bother, my coolant leaks to the floor now, head gasket already replaced, water pump replaced, no hose cracks or reservoir cracks, keeps dropping out from the bottom, a metal Tank any idea where this could come from

[@bellsherly1987]

@@gonzalotorres4570hey sorry to bother you.. i have same issued like ur car.. but may i knw did you detect already whats the signs problems that may caused?

[@raysimpson4673]

Why not design a better way with gaskets

[@motorcarnut]

It has nothing to do with gaskets failing as much as neglect of overheating engine

[@kevinbeatzeus]

Great video. Stoked that I appear to have escaped the shit realm of this problem. I have a 2004 tacoma 344k and it’s had a terrible leak from the water pump. I switched out the thermostat and housing and it got worse. The car would go from cold to hot very quickly once running. I’m assuming that’s a water pump at this point but I was worried that maybe the head had blown out. And that’s why there wasn’t enough pressure to seal up the system. Having it towed to a mechanic today. Fingers crossed. This is the first problem I’ve really ever had. Great truck. Scared to be told it’s time to move on.

[@motorcarnut]

Just make sure the simple things like the radiator cap and the sealing point where it sits and seals is not distorted. Just replace the cap if in doubt. The radiator is not clogged and flows properly. Another test is when the truck is cold, start it up and see if the top radiator hose gets hard fast before it gets hot, if it does the head gasket is failing and not necessarily you will see that thick white smoke.

[@timoneil1193]

its time to move on

[@christopherjohn944]

When I drive my car hard for a long period then stop and idle , plenty water falls on the floor and white smoke comes from engine Bay Area

[@motorcarnut]

Sounds like the heater core is leaking

[@alfanhadi4638]

Dear sir, what if I found oil residue on the exhaust tail pipe? Thank you

[@motorcarnut]

Means vehicle is burning oil either through worn valve stem seals, worn piston rings bad pcv valve etc.

[@alfanhadi4638]

@@motorcarnut thanks for the reply. I guess it"s best if I just walk away when I encounter a vehicle like that.

[@motorcarnut]

It’s wise if you don’t have mechanic skills or know someone who does.

[@alfanhadi4638]

@@motorcarnut thank you sir

[@motorcarnut]

No problem

[@zninz5368]

Cool thank you so much, thought my dikhead neighbour put something in my exhaust, lucky for her there’s actually something wrong with my car.

[@motorcarnut]

No problem

[@fishface6247]

What about oil leaking from the seam That separates the engine block and cylinder?

[@motorcarnut]

That’s a good point, it’s rather rare but does happen on a lot of Subaru’s and that’s also a sign of a blown head gasket.

[@andrewmatadeen8448]

What about if the smoke goes away once car is at operating temp but only on start up and i live in fl warm weather

[@motorcarnut]

Seems normal condensation to me.

[@dystopia3300]

I have an rx8 and I noticed a few days ago white smoke started coming from my exhaust on a cold start and my coolant levels are normal no mix on the dip stick and the smoke immediately stops once the car is warmed up. And there has only been one misfire since I noticed the smoke.

[@motorcarnut]

I would keep an eye on it, cold start up with a little white smoke ( condensation) is normal but if the misfire is associated with the burning of coolant that will be a problem. You could get test strips that test the coolant for any signs of exhaust gasses to see if your head gasket is starting to go.

[@sonicgarage3025]

Rx8s don't have head gaskets

[@motorcarnut]

Wow, good call, must of forgot about that and was thinking about a conventional Mazda combustion engine, not rotary. Even though they don’t have head gaskets they are still coolant reliant and can leak from various seals and places.

[@ratspam7655]

Get your radiator cap tested. After 100,000 miles it will likely fail to hold pressure lowering the boiling point and the coolant level will drop resulting in no cabin heat.

[@motorcarnut]

Great suggestion! But this is when it’s too late.

[@ratspam7655]

I used coolant dye to determine if I had a leak. When I couldn’t detect an external leak or cross contamination with the oil or other fluids, I made sure the cap worked before I concluded it was a head gasket issue. My own cap that was supposed to hold 15lbs of pressure, vented at 11psi and stayed open down to 7psi. This caused the boil off and low coolant level condition.

[@motorcarnut]

Absolutely correct! I even made a video on symptoms of a simple radiator cap. Good diagnose!

[@AceQueenxo]

Hey, I have a 2011 Honda Civic. My car started smoking like that right after an oil change. Does that mean the head gasket is blown and I need to replace the whole thing?

[@motorcarnut]

Being it was right after an oil change that seems kinda strange? Are you sure it’s white smoke? Or is it blue? I say this because if it’s blue it could related to the oil change, wrong weight, overfilled etc?

[@AceQueenxo]

@@motorcarnut the smoke is definitely white. I did check it and it is overfilled by quite some bit. But 30 minutes after the oil changed something made a scratching noise and a big cloud of smoke was behind the car.

[@motorcarnut]

What I don’t like is right after the oil change this happened. Oil should not be overfilled and without being there it’s hard to know what happened, do you know what burning coolant smells like? to see if the car is burning coolant?

[@AceQueenxo]

@@motorcarnut this is my first car and i just barely bought it. I have no idea about a lot of stuff. It did have a weird smell to it. But there’s no leaking or puddles anywhere under the car. (Not sure if that has anything to do with it.) I did check the oil and it doesn’t look like milky or anything like that. and thank you for responding I don’t have anybody else and i definitely don’t know anything about cars.

[@theimprovist4158]

Why do mazda 3 have overheating issues??

[@motorcarnut]

Well, all vehicles will overheat if not properly maintained. Most issues are caused by a leak ( low or no coolant) Bad radiator, water pump, thermostat or even a bad radiator cap could cause a vehicle to overheat.

[@doncozypodcast.852]

How long should I wait for the smoke to clear after I’ve done an engine overhaul on my car?

[@motorcarnut]

What was wrong with the engine before the repairs?

[@StayMadLmfao]

I think my little civic is having the same problem,blowing smoke,I’m losing power,and I’m not finding any oil or coolant where it’s not supposed to be,I think I’m burning it too

[@motorcarnut]

If it looks like in my video then yes that’s not normal

[@BigGPoPPa914]

Hey boss, i had my radiator give out which was leaking and overheated the car. I replaced it but noticed the coolant was a cloudy blue instead of blue. I was wondering what you think i should look at next because its idling like its ok so far. Im scared to drive without completely fixing it. Its a 09 maxima

[@motorcarnut]

When the car is hot meaning driving it for about 10 miles or so there should be no smoke. When cold there should only be a light tint of white smoke, never blue, blue is oil burning and not thick white sweet smelling smoke either that’s burning coolant. Does the car overheat now?

[@BigGPoPPa914]

@@motorcarnut hey thanks for the quick reply. At the moment it seems ok .. i got prestone radiator cleaner cycling through with water to clean any thing left out of the system. I also meant the coolant its self was that color. The coolant is usually blue but when i emptied it it was blue with some sludge

[@debbiemazzocchi3073]

😮​@@motorcarnut

[@oxmate]

i have replaced the radiator cap and the thermo but my problem is mine doesn't over heat nor does it blow white smoke but it goes up in temp when under load but doesn't over heat just get alittle hotter then normasl and then goes down just as fast as it goes up when not under load.

[@motorcarnut]

Can be a defective coolant temperature sensor.

[@biggiefromage3594]

Great video! I have a 2008 BMW 116i and after a fairly long journey my car is violently vibrating and I have a yellow oil light on. There doesn’t seem to be a coolant leak and the oil level hasn’t changed however my Rev limiter is bouncing between 600-750 rpm rapidly. Any suggestions?

[@motorcarnut]

Could be a bad vacuum leak somewhere? Does it have any codes?

[@biggiefromage3594]

@@motorcarnut I am unable to find any codes but the problem isn’t noticeable when driving the car, it is only noticeable when fooling after a long drive if that helps your diagnosis. Furthermore, the radiator runs exceptionally loud.

[@motorcarnut]

Hard to diagnose without being there but sounds like what i said a air leak somewhere, a hose popped off? Fans running a lot could be a head gasket starting to fail , meaning the engine is running hotter than normal but the computer doesn't see that condition yet. Like I said hard to know without the car in front of me and I don't want to steer you in the wrong direction so you may have to have someone look at it for you before it gets worse .

[@c.b7474]

Hey man, hope you see this. I been having all sorts of deal with my car lately. 2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR AWD with 160k miles. I get timely maintenances and all. Anyways, i replaced the thermostat about 2 weeks ago because my car was getting close to overheating (i never let it get to red zone), got the thermostat changed and did a coolant flush- no overheating or near overheat since. Yesterday i started it and had a bunch of white smoke and it smelled sweet but went away after maybe 2 min. Checked my oil and caps and everything looks normal and it still drives normal. This morning when i started it i noticed a few bubbles in the resevoir tank where the hose is. Now, i will say it has had a code for the egr system and i am waiting to get the egr part tomorrow. Ive had the car looked at up and down 3 different times

[@motorcarnut]

Sounds like the head gasket is starting to go from what you described.

[@c.b7474]

Hey. I wanted to follow up with you and let you know that the "bubbles" I saw was just coolant moving through the resevoir haha (I had someone verify). Anyways had a block test done and it turned out not to be a head gasket. No overheating or near overheat. No white smoke since that one time. The exhaust pipes are black and dirty almost like soot. Any other recommendations? I'm still having a vibrating start. No chocolate milk oil either. I just changed it. I forgot to mention I did recently get new spark plugs put in.

[@Turner2503]

My coolant levels keep dropping about 1/4 cup a month. No visible leaks on the ground. No smoke from the tailpipe at all, no visible signs of coolant in the oil. Doesn't overheat. Temperature gauge stays just below half way. Car runs perfectly fine though. It's a Toyota so I use the recommended red coolant. So when the car was completely cooled, I took the radiator cap off and started the car, and coolant immediately started to rise, but no bubbling whatsoever. Is this a symptom of a leaking head gasket?

[@motorcarnut]

So, when you say the coolant immediately rises when you start your cold engine, does it overflow and spill out? Also try when the engine is cold overnight and radiator cap it installed start it and immediately check to see if the large upper radiator hose has pressure, it should have pressure within 2 minutes or less

[@Turner2503]

@@motorcarnut Yes, it does overflow, but slowly. How do I check the radiator hose pressure? Do I need a pressure gauge?

[@Turner2503]

....also it stops overflowing once the car reaches its operating temperature, and fans kick on.

[@motorcarnut]

When the car is overnight cold, squeeze the top radiator hose before starting the engine and feel how it feels with no pressure in it then start the car and immediately squeeze it again and see if it feels the same when it was off. Should not have pressure until the car is hot, if it has pressure let’s say with 1 minute after starting then the pistons are pumping up the coolant system because of bad sealing between the block and head and probably the head gasket starting to go.

[@motorcarnut]

Ok that’s a good sign that’s it’s probably fine. Try what I said above.

[@joshuaalob4246]

I have excessive white smoke but goes away after like 5 minutes when I start in the morning or when the car rest for like couple hours. What does that mean?

[@motorcarnut]

Can be the first signs of a failing head gasket.

[@lindseyweaver6590]

I did not catch my over heating in time and it blew some sort of valve and drained all the coolant. I had that fixed along with the thermostat, but it's still over heating and I hear what sounds like gushing/dripping above my feet when I drive. I don't see anything coming out and I don't see anything leaking on the ground when I'm stopped or parked. I watched for white smoke today but didn't see any. The mechanic thinks it might be a head gasket that blew with the original over heating. I noticed when I lifted the hood this morning that the reservoir cap had blown off and broke. I'm assuming I need a new one of those for sure. Any other ideas?

[@motorcarnut]

The reservoir cap can not just blow off I don’t care how much pressure there is. You should find another mechanic and I think from what you’re explaining you did blow the head gasket or can be a cracked head or block but more likely the gasket. The gushing noise as you described is boiling coolant.

[@danyellmassenburg73andrews25]

I have a 20i18 jeep wrangler. It started overheating by the time i turned to my house...i saw that the antifreeze reservoir was empty. I put 50/50 antifreeze fluid in reservoir. Then the next day it start with white smoke from tailpipe and got up next morning now it wont crank up...what can i do to get it fixed?

[@motorcarnut]

Sounds like a blown head gasket to me. I have many videos on head gasket repair.

[@marybarretta4358]

My mechanic sees the 'milkshake' but not on the diptstick, it's leaking in the engine. He was testing the heating core cause we have no heat. He said the oil was very low and had to add 3 quarts of it (it was changed 3 months ago). Also he pulled out the oil filter and it was saturated with oil. Looked like it had been dipped in oil. He said the place that changed my oil did not change the oil filter which led to the issues that he says may be a damaged head gasket. The car has not overheated.I don't know what to do. Any suggestions?

[@motorcarnut]

If there is mixing of coolant and oil, you probably have a blown head gasket at a minimum. How it happened I can’t tell by your post but either way that’s what it sounds like. Maybe get a second opinion to make sure?

[@bilalahmed2123]

This is scary ! What did you end up doing ? Did you replace the engine ? Heard it’s never just the head gasket !!!

[@motorcarnut]

This particular vehicle had to have cylinder head machined and new head gasket.

[@Davidk.p4]

how long will your car smoke for if your head gasket is blown or leaking?

[@motorcarnut]

If it's indeed a failing head gasket and leaking into the combustion area, Always. But can also be mixing with Engine oil and really no smoke at all.

[@Josh-e2d2h]

My thermostat is stuck closed I believe so it's overheating and not allowing the fluid to fill up the radiator when it got too hot it started to make a clanking sound

[@motorcarnut]

Can be anything so I would have local mechanic check it out

[@TreyKing63]

Nice video! My 2011 Mini Cooper S has symptom #3... a white smoky exhaust when warmed to operating temperature.

[@motorcarnut]

If it doesn’t go away and smells kinda sweet then it’s burning coolant and head gasket or a crack somewhere but probably the gasket is starting to go.

[@mjallen1308]

I’ve owned a 2008 Mazda3 (bought 3yrs old with 25K miles on it and I had ZERO issues) and I specifically remember the coolant temp gauge. I rented a 2010 Mazda3 and I didn’t even notice that there was no coolant temp gauge. I also purchased a 2015 Mazda3 and a 2014 Mazda6 and I cannot remember whether or not there was a coolant temp gauge. I guess too bc I purchased the vehicles and they were not that old and had less than 25K miles on them and I always kept my maintenance up - so I guess I didn’t really think there would be an issue. But, for some reason, when I really think back, I think both of them had just the idiot light system where it would say cold or hot. Thought mine never said hot bc I always maintained my cars.

[@motorcarnut]

Yes 2010 and up, most models had no coolant temp gauge especially in the cheaper vehicles. It's not only the gauge but the wiring, computer controls etc. all to save a penny where they can.

[@Grove330]

Hey when im sitting idle at a red light, the temp gauge moves a little above the middle, then when I accelerate it goes back to the middle. What do you think this means? Some said radiator fan is cracked or thermostat. Im in a 09 Buick Lucerne super.

[@motorcarnut]

If the car has no symptoms as I explained in the video then it could be a failing thermostat. Also make sure the coolant is clean and properly filled and system has no leaks.

[@samw7402]

My pt cruiser only runs hot when the coolant gets to boiling point then it runs to reservoir bubbling and it doesn't go back to radiator so it's dry and start getting hot and we lose coolant out the reservoir hose is it my gasket or air in system or icm or the thermo or coolant sensor. I straight wired my high n lol fans but now that don't work. The fans just quit working today Fri Nov 12

[@motorcarnut]

Well you have an overheating problem for sure. Could be as simple as a faulty radiator cap or stuck closed thermostat, or the head gasket. You should get the fans fixed properly not wired manually the computer controls the fans so the car doesn’t overheat.

[@cherict3400]

Thank you - very helpful!

[@motorcarnut]

Glad it was helpful! and thanks for the comment!

[@MrChloebt]

My Jeep compass has been running hot but no leaking any where. Not under the car or from my exhaust. I just got my coolant flushed but they said it was very chocolatey. I don’t know what to do next. Should I get my radiator flushed? Please help me

[@motorcarnut]

The head gasket is blown. Oil is mixing with coolant. Head gasket should be fixed first and sooner than later before it makes things worse.

[@tannersnow1729]

Helpful as hell my 2007 Scion tC I believe has a blown head gasket and one of the radiator hoses has more of thick oil with a little water mixed still guessing that’s the same thing

[@motorcarnut]

Yes it is. Thanks for the comment, glad it helped.

[@tannersnow1729]

@@motorcarnut I have a little more questions. If i would be able to email you or talk to you somehow

[@brianhartman4426]

After I replaced my radiator the bottom radiator hose keeps popping off. It's a Mercedes CLK550 and it's almost like a clip holds it in. I bought a new clip and was going to try another lower hose. Prior I replaced the oil cooler because because there was oil in the coolant, no other signs of the gasket being blown and after I replaced the oil cooler it hasn't leaked into the coolant again, and thermostat was replaced and it doesn't over heat.

[@motorcarnut]

Is it an aftermarket radiator? Sometimes they are not made as well as OEM. Make sure you push the hose all the way in and the new clip and o ring are seated the correct way. The clip sits in a grove in the radiator a certain way so when the hose is inserted it click into place.

[@brianhartman4426]

@@motorcarnut Do you have an email I can send the pictures to? $400 OEM radiator.

[@SeanMcKenzie-mt5ml]

What if the white smoke only occurs when you rev the car & it not excessive like that & see no milky & colant level fine

[@motorcarnut]

During a cold start up that would be considered normal condensation, when engine is hot like driving on the highway for 10 minutes and does it that is not normal and can indicate burning coolant.

[@SeanMcKenzie-mt5ml]

@@motorcarnut I prob got do compression test their no smoke when I turn it on only when I’m reving it or coming to a light or stop put car netural roll to stop

[@motorcarnut]

@SeanMcKenzie-mt5ml try pressurizing each cylinder to see if air goes into the coolant system.

[@SeanMcKenzie-mt5ml]

@@motorcarnut it most likely seals in my motor

[@motorcarnut]

Head gasket

[@Theyusuf101]

Hi there, my Renault Clio Mk2 has milky residue under the oil cap but no milky residue on the dip stick. There’s also no oil in the overflow tank. There is blue smoke that comes out of the exhaust when driving which is probably piston rings. How do I know what the issue is ?

[@motorcarnut]

A little bit of milky residue under the oil cap is probably normal condensation. Try a thicker oil change with some “stop smoke” additive.

[@Theyusuf101]

@@motorcarnut thank you 🙏🏽

[@motorcarnut]

No problem

[@NinoBadFella]

I have a 2012 dodge charger that randomly shakes/vibrates on idle..car doesn’t overheat but it does randomly have white smoke coming from the exhaust when I accelerate,some days it will and some days it won’t.

[@motorcarnut]

Some thin white smoke is normal condensation. They have test strips you can buy that detects exhaust gases in the coolant system indicating a blown head gasket.

[@ashleygregory4076]

Car not overheating no crap under the cap but white smoke on revs

[@motorcarnut]

Can be burning it, meaning the head gasket is starting to go.

[@tellez4089]

My 2009 Mazda 173k original water pump still Just did a tune up lol original spark plugs 😂🤷‍♂️ Just do the oil chances You’ll be good

[@motorcarnut]

Actually,maintaining the coolant system is the key to avoid head gasket failure on any vehicle. Maintaining the oil is also very important but has nothing to do with head gasket failure.

[@shaniquajohnson7571]

My old 1990 Celica is beat up with all bald tires and all the warning lights on. When I drive it's sluggish with white smoke coming out the exhaust. Engine is always hot on the temperature gage indicator.

[@motorcarnut]

Well first should see what codes are coming up but either way there should not be thick white smoke at all

[@zm8867]

I had my radiator and my thermostat replaced on my 2007 Mazda 6i 2.3L . The car still overheats. What other part/s can I check next that will cause it to overheat?

[@motorcarnut]

Start with the simple things first. Check or replace the radiator cap, make sure there is no air in the coolant system. Make sure radiator fans cycle on and off. When the car is overnight cold try squeezing the top radiator hose see how it feels then start the car and wait about 2 minutes the hose should feel about the same if it’s noticeable harder then you may have a blown head gasket pumping up the coolant system.

[@DodgeSRT392hemi]

I wish I got to this video 2 weeks ago as I am stranded on the highway with a blown motor in a civic

[@motorcarnut]

Damm, sorry to hear that.

[@shyryTsr2k]

My 2008 Chevy Equinox LT started getting VERY hot out of nowhere a week or so after returning from the desert (which it did not overheat when I was there which is strange) and my dash lit up with a "ENGINE TOO HOT AC OFF" notification. With my radiator fans blowing loudly. At first I went to one mechanic shop that I've been taking it too and said it may be a thermostat issue or something. They spent a few days with my vehicle (for who knows what since it's my only car) and later determined it was in fact my thermostat/possibly clogged heater core. Fast forward to today I took it into another shop for another estimate and guess what? THIS mechanic said that I need to replace a head gasket. $4,500 repair cost apparently. I could buy a used car for that price wtf? I have an extended warranty for it however I doubt they wanna pay that either. There's no check engine light or anything either.

[@motorcarnut]

This is something that has to be seen in person and since you got 2 different answers I’d go get one more and see what they say.

[@nelkaampongan8616]

I have a 2010 dodge grand caravan (270km) i suspect that i have a blown head gasket and theres probably a small leak of coolant in the combustion chamber. Theres also a smell of burnt plastic.

[@nelkaampongan8616]

I dont fully know if it has to do with a blown head gasket, but on my caravan, theres oil leaking from behind the engine, below the valve cover, and it has to be an oil leak because its also on passenger side axle shaft

[@motorcarnut]

There should never be coolant in the combustion chamber, probably a blown gasket

[@SOME-RANDOM-GUY457]

My car's coolant bubbles and foams, but no steam from exhaust, no milkshake yet coolant just foams....what could it be?

[@motorcarnut]

Sounds like it’s getting pumped up by the pistons meaning head gasket is starting to fail

[@EscobarMT]

My 2014 Durango does not have coolant on the deep stick nor oil on the coolant radiator cap. No smoke neither but I do hear bubbling when turning the vehicle of after driving

[@motorcarnut]

Some are normal, coolant is supposed to flow in and out of the radiator into the overflow tank and vice versa

[@LindseyLittlefield]

My 2015 cx5 just blew a gasket. No signs, no warnings, no nothing. Just suddenly the air quit blowing cold, immediately followed by the warning light that it was hot, immediately followed by the engine light, immediately followed by car shutting off. There's no temp guage on my car and no signs it was running hot. They're telling me i either need a new engine or a new car.

[@motorcarnut]

Sorry to hear that. Yep its ridiculous they leave out gauges dip sticks etc. They want you to not fix your own vehicle and its getting worse, but you got me to help as much as I could! BTW, your engine can be rebuilt, they just want to change it because its faster or they don't have the proper knowledge.

[@r.a.h7682]

I got a error about cilinder 1 (ignition problem) with lots of white smoke but it doesnt seem to lower my coolant levels?

[@motorcarnut]

Could be a blown head gasket leaking coolant into that cylinder causing the misfire and smoke. Should be checked asap.

[@nedim7gunner]

I replaced two anlasers (starters). It died because it coupd not start the engine. Can it be that much water on piston heads?

[@motorcarnut]

Possiable, try turning the crankshaft by hand to see if it's locked up

[@SirAuronthehonorable]

Toyota tells me my head gasket is cracked but half the symptoms dont line or im just dumb. Temperature is fine. performance is about the same, i drive like a grandpa with cataracts so the fastest i ever go is 65 on freeways. i had blue and white smoke for a while but after an oil change the smoke just white and no more than other cars on the road. like, my car just has abive average smoke while other cars i see leave behind view blocking smoke in newer cars than my 98 toyota v6. The coolant looks like very light brown mud and sometimes the coolant cap is blown off. It snaps into place really snugly so a pothole here and there wont knock the cap off.

[@motorcarnut]

Sounds like a head gasket problem to me

[@blount_man]

Someone passed down a 01 PT Cruiser to me for helping them clean and pack up her house. Now it's been having over heating issues and the coolant will ooze out a dry white liquid around the radiator filler neck. Also fresh coolant will be poured in and a few days later it will look dirty. Now I'm having exhaust smell problems with a light burnt coolant smell in the air.

[@motorcarnut]

yep, sounds like the head gasket went to me.

[@blount_man]

@@motorcarnut Dang

[@molsen7549]

Hi there! Did replacing the head gasket end up fixing this customer's car? If action was taken immediately after noticing white smoke, can you avoid damaging other parts of the car? I have this exact problem and symptom on my mazda 3. Going to flush the coolant and add Irontite with new coolant. Hopefully that acts as a solution for now.

[@motorcarnut]

Yes it did and yes you can damage the engine even more than a head gasket such as warping the head or cylinder block and more.

[@ewoiasio2784]

does it hurt to use gasket sealer liquid if you don't have a gasket leak?

[@motorcarnut]

I wouldn’t use it, they just don’t work and can cause clogging of the small coolant passages and in turn cause engine to overheat.

[@wushohnjackmon5179]

Awesome video learned alot just now I have a question. So Ive got a 2003 Hyundai Sonata when I first start the car I gives a weird grinding noise in the engine and lets out alil smoke then stops second or third start up it’s fine like nothing?! Wondering if u could help me out

[@motorcarnut]

What kind of noise and what color is the smoke?

[@moe1992]

2003 pos hyundai sonata belongs to the junk yard 😂

[@cortizzzroberts8635]

D40 no symptoms but coolant keeps leaking from the over flow, constant has to top up

[@motorcarnut]

Either blown head gasket pumping up coolant system or bad radiator or thermostat

[@cortizzzroberts8635]

@@motorcarnut thanks will check all 3 leaving the head gasket for last

[@motorcarnut]

No problem, good luck

[@Tuahid]

I wishes I seen this video before purchasing my vehicle

[@motorcarnut]

Sorry to hear that. But everything can be fixed if worth it.

[@Tuahid]

@@motorcarnut yup the person that was selling me the vehicle was telling me about the coolant and the oil mixing I'll have to spend a good 700 800 to get that fixed

[@redonebig88]

My car release white smoke, no leak no oil mixed with coolant, no loss of liquid from coolant reservoir, I don't know what else should I check 🤔

[@motorcarnut]

Depends if the white smoke you’re seeing is normal or not. Condensation at start up is normal especially in colder weather

[@versatile3169]

Great explanation. Thank you

[@motorcarnut]

Glad it was helpful! You're welcome!

[@Cinnamon535]

I accelerated too hard and white smoke came from the hood do I have a blown head gasket

[@motorcarnut]

Hard to tell, does the vehicle run fine now and doesn’t overheat?

[@Ryder1K]

I have an Audi, it only blows coolant smoke when I floor it from a stop. It’ll blow alot if smoke only out of the exhaust, turn it off for a few minutes then drives fine. No overheating, coolant is full, doesn’t do it except when ran hard

[@motorcarnut]

Could be the beginning of a blown head gasket. Light white smoke when the car is cold is normal then should clear up within 5 minutes, especially when it's cold out. But if it's more than that it's not normal.

[@Ryder1K]

@@motorcarnut it was after a 15 minute drive home, I was testing the 0-60 on a backroad and when I got to about 70 and let off I see a cloud in the rear view. Turn the car off I thought it blew up for sure cause of how much there was. Checked to see if it would start, started up fine and drove it home🤷🏻‍♂️ I figured it would smoke all the time if it was blown or there was a crack in the head

[@motorcarnut]

Maybe it’s blue smoke? Meaning it’s burning oil?

[@Ryder1K]

@@motorcarnut it’s white and I can tell by the smell it is coolant, it is confusing to me

[@motorcarnut]

Then it’s a head gasket starting to fail.

[@washboardjim]

After I Drive my Saddat a bit then it Starts to show White Smoke, . What do you think about that ?

[@motorcarnut]

If the vehicle is blowing white smoke with the engine hot then it’s probably burning coolant. Which can be a head gasket or oil cooler failing etc.

[@moorejimk]

2014 Town and Country blows white smoke only when revved to 4000+ rpm. Head gasket?

[@motorcarnut]

Possible, yes

[@martincampos3722]

My car looses coolant but there’s no leaks, I changed the radiator couple months ago due to coolant leaking, and the coolant sometimes bubbles, could it be the radiator cap I haven’t changed that and the oil looks fine, I do need a oil change soon, what could be the problem?

[@motorcarnut]

Yes, it can very well be the radiator cap with the symptoms you’re describing. Always start with simple things first.

[@samanthaogden4643]

I have a question. I have a carolla Toyota 1996. We were passing someone and the car started to smoke and it sounded like we blew a tire. But there was leaking oil from the engine and no hoses popped off. So what can it be ?

[@motorcarnut]

Hard to say without the car in front of me but doesn’t sound good, maybe the car blew a rod something bad enough to cause oil leaking after a loud noise should be check by a local mechanic immediately

[@drewman320]

Okay I have white smoke coming out my car but no milky oil and my white smoke is no where near like that and car is not over heating only does it around 2500 rpm’s then no more smoke or if I constantly hit the gas fast. Then when I’m driving no smoke.

[@motorcarnut]

A light thin white smoke when the car is overnight cold is normal and as it heats up goes away. If the car is hot and you get white smoke, you're burning coolant and somewhere it's getting into the combustion chamber by a crack or head gasket starting to fail. Also when you hit the gas make sure its white and not blue that would indicate burning oil.

[@user-cs4fc3pe7t]

What would/could be the cause of an LT1 over heating when parking? The car starts overheating fast when I'm slowly manuvering (Few feet forward, few feet back etc) into a parking space Car is fine at all other times Water pump, thermostat, and coolant are all about 1 year old I bled the system Fuses and box LOOKED ok Just put on a new ac delco rad cap Unplugged the WP to test the fans and the drivers side works but NOT the passenger side Neither the AC or the heat hasn't worked for over a year btw

[@motorcarnut]

The AC not working has nothing to do with the overheating. I don't like the fact that the heat is not working. Sounds like the coolant is not circulating properly and can be the cause of the overheating problem under load. You may have corrosion or a blockage somewhere in the heater core and other parts of the coolant system, maybe the radiator is partially clogged?

[@geenena09]

Someone put stop leak in the car and it rocked up blew the radiator. Put new radiator thermostat and coolant filler neck car drives good but overheats still every two miles and I still have no heat.. what does that mean?

[@motorcarnut]

I never recommend any head gasket sealers, I even made a video on that. The car probably has a head gasket problem for someone to use those sealers.