Updated at: 04-04-2022 - By: micdot

There is a problem with your car’s exhaust system if you see white smoke coming out of the tailpipe. Here’s how to remedy the situation. If you’re looking for an expert on this subject, you’ve come to the right place. On our website, you may find out more.

Is that the intended shade?

Tailpipe emissions shouldn’t be visible while a car’s engine is running normally. White exhaust smoke, on the other hand, indicates that something is wrong and demands your immediate attention.White exhaust smoke is caused by what? Reasons for this could include:

Rear-end Water Vaporization

Cylinder Head Cracked

Pump Timing is off (Diesel Specific)

A faulty Fuel Injector

Combustion Chamber with oil in it.

Engine Block Cracked

The first is completely harmless, but the remainder could lead to calamity if ignored. Fortunately, we’ll go through each of the above issues in great detail, including how to remedy them, in this brief article.

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List of Chapters

White Smoke Coming From The Exhaust? 6 Possible Causes And How To Fix Them

Cause #1 – Condensation In The Tailpipe

Condensation is most likely to blame if, when you start your automobile in the morning, you see white smoke coming from the exhaust. A small amount of steam is produced when hot exhaust gases come into contact with the cold air. Although it appears to be worrisome, this is a perfectly typical reaction to witnessing something strange. Isn’t it exciting to see science in action?

How To Fix

The white exhaust smoke should dissipate within a few minutes of driving, depending on how cold it is outdoors. On the list, this is the only source of white exhaust smoke that may be fixed with patience. If left unchecked, the rest of the engine can suffer catastrophic damage.

Cause #2 – Cracked Cylinder Head

5 Symptoms of a Cracked Cylinder Head (and Repair Cost in 2022)

If the cylinder head cracks as a result of putting this white smoke source close to the last one, we should have known better. The cylinder head sits on top of the cylinders, as you may have imagined. In addition to the intake and exhaust valves, it houses the combustion chamber’s air/fuel mixture, and vents the exhaust outdoors. They are often composed of cast iron or aluminum, the latter of which is preferred since it conducts heat more quickly and is lighter. No matter what kind of material it is, a crack in it is a serious problem. Exhaust gasses might leak back into the cylinder heads if a cylinder head cracks.

When this happens, white smoke will be released from the tailpipe. Engine overheating, which can be caused by a variety of factors, is the most prevalent cause of cracked cylinder heads. To learn more about why your automobile could overheat, check out this guide.

How To Fix

Is everyone ready for more bad news? In most circumstances, replacing a broken cylinder head is the only option for a long-term solution.It’s not a difficult task, but it does take some time. It will cost between $500 and $1,000 to replace a fractured cylinder head, depending on whether it is made of aluminum or cast iron. Another approach is to use a head gasket repair product that you can buy at a store. Here are some of the greatest on the market, which you can find in our guide.

Cause #3 – Injector Pump Timing Is Off (Diesel Specific)

Injector pump timing may be to blame for the white smoke emerging from the exhaust of a diesel-powered vehicle. The cylinders’ diesel supply is handled by the pump. Having it delivered too late can result in an overflow of diesel, which can create a dense white cloud of smoke to be expelled from the vehicle’s exhaust pipe. Injector pump failure can also be detected by the following symptoms:

Apathetic slacker

a decrease in efficiency

Inefficient use of fuel

The performance was poor.

I’m having a hard time getting started.

To reduce the maximum RPM,

boosts in throttle

It doesn’t imply you should overlook “complete failure” just because it wasn’t included as a symptom. This can cause havoc with the entire system, and the engine may cease to function altogether as a result.

How To Fix

Unfortunately, repairing this problem without the assistance of a certified tech is not something we recommend trying at home. If the injector pump timing is found to be out of whack, reprogramming the ECM may be the only solution. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the pump. Another option is to replace the camshaft, which can cost up to $3,000. Injector pump failure can be caused by a variety of factors. Diesel gasoline that has been contaminated. Changing the diesel fuel filter on a regular basis and only filling up at Top-Tier gas stations are two ways to extend the life of an injector pump.

Cause #4 – Bad Fuel Injector

Warning Signs Of A Bad Fuel Injector | Sun Devil Auto

In essence, a fuel injector is a spray nozzle for delivering fuel to the combustion chamber of an automobile. In terms of when or how much fuel is transferred, it just serves to restrict or allow its passage. Even the tiniest change in this system can cause it to get out of whack. Fuel injector failure might cause your car to emit white smoke from the exhaust, as you may have predicted. Other indications that a fuel injector is malfunctioning include:

boosts in throttle

a decrease in efficiency

Inefficient use of fuel

Apathetic slacker

The performance was poor.

To reduce the maximum RPM,

I’m having a hard time getting started.

There are so many other problems that ignoring a defective fuel injector becomes nearly unbearable. Additionally, it has the potential to knock the engine out of whack and necessitate expensive engine repairs. Fuel injectors fail for a variety of reasons. Fuel contamination is the most common cause. A fuel injector’s lifespan can be extended by replacing the fuel filter on a regular basis (every 2 years or so) and only using Top-Tier gas stations.

How To Fix

When a fuel injector stops working, it’s past its useful life and needs to be replaced because repairs aren’t possible. There are times when the entire fuel injector set must be replaced rather than just one. An unevenly running engine is a serious problem. As long as you have a few hours to spare on a Sunday afternoon, the process isn’t too difficult. There are numerous videos online that explain how to replace a fuel injector. Your fuel injectors may also be clogged, in which case they are useless. To your relief, products exist that can assist you in clearing it.

Cause #5 – Oil In The Combustion Chamber

Air and fuel are the only components that should be present in a combustion chamber. In the event that oil is found in the combination, the tailpipe will emit a dense white cloud of smoke. Increased oil usage and engine misfires are two other warning signals to keep an eye out for. What’s the deal with oil in the combustor? A leaking piston ring or valve seal could be to blame for the oil seeping into the engine. Because if there’s oil where it shouldn’t be, that suggests that it’s not where it should be. This is worrisome. When your engine’s various components aren’t getting enough oil, it might lead to failure. After 100,000 miles, you’re unlikely to have a problem with this. High-mileage motor oil can help extend the life of your vehicle.

How To Fix

Unfortunately, piston ring replacement is prohibitively expensive, with parts and labor often ranging from $1,800 to $3,500. It’s a time-consuming project because the parts cost between $75 and $200. Changing valve seals is less expensive, but it can still cost up to $2,000 if you use new ones. Is it possible to perform a valve seal or piston ring replacement on your own?

You can save a lot of money if you know how to disassemble an engine. It’s another matter entirely whether or not you’re capable of doing so.

Cause #6 – Cracked Engine Block

Can I Drive with a Cracked Engine Block? - BlueDevil Products

Finally, we have a broken engine block. Finding a crack in your engine block is the worst-case situation, even if you ignored the preceding reason. Every single part of the engine is based on the engine block as the primary structural element. Cast iron or aluminum alloy engine blocks are the most common. Because of this, they are not only long-lasting, but they are also excellent at transporting heat away from the engine. If any of the engine’s components aren’t functioning properly, the block may get weaker due to overheating. Indications that the block is overheating include:

The exhaust is spewing forth white smoke.

a sluggish engine

Fluid dripping from the underneath of your vehicle.

Anti-freeze with a yellowish tint

The radiator has frozen coolant. When an engine block cracks, oil leaks into the combustion chamber, which results in white smoke being emitted from the exhaust pipe. When this occurs, the fuel/air mixture ignites. The resulting white exhaust smoke will be sucked out the exhaust pipe and expelled via the rear. It’s not an option to ignore a cracked engine block. As a result, the engine’s performance will suffer greatly if it is leaking. In addition, the longer it is left unattended, the more damage it will do.

How To Fix

Rewelding, cold-metal stitching, or applying a cold-metal patch are all options for fixing a fractured engine block. Each does exactly what it says on the tin, by either welding, sewing, or repairing the hole. In either case, it’s not cheap to hire an expert to do it. When it’s all said and done, expect to pay anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000 for a quick cure.

We Hope It’s Due To Condensation

Don’t play around with it if it isn’t; if left untreated, it will end up costing you a lot of money in the long run. Car maintenance is a wonderful strategy to extend the life of your vehicle. To give your vehicle the best possible chance of survival, see our earlier article on 15 critical car care advice.