White smoke issue

[chandlerhayes01]

Recently had white smoke pouring out of the passenger side tail pipe and a rough idle. Checked the coolant and it keeps showing low after being driven. The motor hasn’t overheating yet according to the gauge. Could this just be an intake manifold gasket? What other things should I be looking at?

Thanks

 

[OR VietVet]

It would help to know exactly what you are driving and engine info. BUT, it sounds like a head gasket problem. A compression test, both sides, can help pin down.

 

[chandlerhayes01]

1996 Tahoe. 5.7 vortec. My apologies

 

[OR VietVet]

1996 Tahoe. 5.7 vortec. My apologies

Thanks for vehicle info. My recommendation still stands for a compression test on both sides. You can rent compression test tools at parts stores. Make sure all plugs are out when doing the test.

 

[NickTransmissions]

Recently had white smoke pouring out of the passenger side tail pipe and a rough idle. Checked the coolant and it keeps showing low after being driven. The motor hasn’t overheating yet according to the gauge. Could this just be an intake manifold gasket? What other things should I be looking at?

Thanks

In addition to the dry/wet compression test, also do a block test that confirms/denies presence of hydrocarbons in your engine coolant. If confirmed, time to yank and go through the heads. If engine has more than 140-150k or so, yank and overhaul it, if you determine head gaskets are needed.

The block test kits are avail at auto parts stores and on Amazon

 

[89Suburban]

Cracked head also a possibility. I had to deal with that.

 

[Eman85]

Pull the plugs, the one that is clean is the cylinder or cylinders with the problem. Steam is a great spark plug cleaner. Do a compression test and or do a coolant system pressure test. While the coolant system is under pressure and the plugs are out have someone turn the engine over with the starter while you watch. Don't stand in front of the spark plug holes.

 

[Lonny]

Hi team -

Just heard back from the GMC dealership with the diagnosis: they discovered that the connector hoses are leaking. It's a $3,000 job that will fortunately be covered by warranty. I should have some more information later from them today or tomorrow.

 

[OR VietVet]

What connector hoses to where causes white smoke "out" of a tailpipe? That diagnosis explanation is lacking.

 

[Lonny]

What connector hoses to where causes white smoke "out" of a tailpipe? That diagnosis explanation is lacking.

It appears my name was mistakenly tagged somewhere in this thread and caused me to post a reply that belongs in another discussion.

 

[NickTransmissions]

It appears my name was mistakenly tagged somewhere in this thread and caused me to post a reply that belongs in another discussion.

Lol, thought you were the OP but changed your user name for some reason. And idea of leaking connector hoses causing the white smoke out of the tail pipe was funny.

Nobody tagged you in this thread from what I can see...

 

[RST Dana]

It appears my name was mistakenly tagged somewhere in this thread and caused me to post a reply that belongs in another discussion.

He was tagged, but the post/reply was from another topic and was inadvertently in the wrong discussion.

 

[RST Dana]

Hi team -

Just heard back from the GMC dealership with the diagnosis: they discovered that the connector hoses are leaking. It's a $3,000 job that will fortunately be covered by warranty. I should have some more information later from them today or tomorrow.

Wrong arena I believe.

 

[chandlerhayes01]

In addition to the dry/wet compression test, also do a block test that confirms/denies presence of hydrocarbons in your engine coolant. If confirmed, time to yank and go through the heads. If engine has more than 140-150k or so, yank and overhaul it, if you determine head gaskets are needed.

The block test kits are avail at auto parts stores and on Amazon

Mines running about 275k miles right now

 

[chandlerhayes01]

Great suggestions by all. Currently I’m at 275k miles so I guess it was only a matter of time for issues arose.

 

[NickTransmissions]

Mines running about 275k miles right now

Gotcha, 275k is pretty good for those engines (or any gas engine, for that matter)...If you determine the head gaskets to be the problem (or a cracked head), I'd yank the engine and replace with a reman if you don't have time to rebuild it...Check with machine shops in your area...You may be able to get a 'ready to go' long block for under 3k...From there you bolt on all your engine accessories, install it, fill with break-in oil, prime it and fire it up and you should be good to go for a long time.