GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Cause

Correction

DEFINITION: White smoke and/or coolant type odor above acceptable tolerances coming from the exhaust pipe may indicate coolant in the combustion chamber. Low coolant levels, an inoperative cooling fan, or a faulty thermostat may lead to an "overtemperature" condition which may cause engine component damage.

  1. A slower than normal cranking speed may indicate coolant entering the combustion chamber. Refer to Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate.
  2. Remove the spark plugs and inspect for spark plugs saturated by coolant or coolant in the cylinder bore.
  3. Inspect by performing a cylinder leakage test. Refer to Cylinder Leakage Test. During this test, above acceptable air bubbles within the coolant may indicate a faulty gasket or damaged component.
  4. Inspect by performing a cylinder compression test. Two cylinders "side-by-side" on the cylinder block, with low compression, may indicate a failed cylinder head gasket. Refer to Engine Compression Test.

Cracked intake manifold or failed gasket.

Replace the components as required.

Faulty cylinder head gasket.

Replace the head gasket and components as required. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement - Left Side or Cylinder Head Replacement - Right Side.

Warped cylinder head.

Machine the cylinder head to the correct flatness, if applicable and replace the cylinder head gasket. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection.

Cracked cylinder head.

Replace the cylinder head and gasket.

Cracked cylinder liner or cylinder block.

Replace the components as required.

Cylinder head or cylinder block porosity.

Replace the components as required.