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[going crazy]

Hi There,

I recently purchased an 1995 2.0 4 door GLS automatic Saloon whcih has done around 74,000 miles and now I notice a thick cloud of white smoke coming from my engine every time I drive it for a couple of miles. This has happened for the last couple of days and especially when I use the reverse gear a lot. Can some one please advice what should I be looking for.. possibly cannot afford to spend a lot on getting this repaired.

Many Thanks in advance,
Suhas

[TheBoy]

Is it losing water?

These engines do produce a fair bit of condensation as part of the combustion process

[going crazy]

Thanks for your prompt response.

Any pointers to help determine a good test for leaking water? I am novice, so detailed help is appericiated.
Thanks in anticipation.

[TheBoy]

Thanks for your prompt response.

Any pointers to help determine a good test for leaking water? I am novice, so detailed help is appericiated.
Thanks in anticipation.

Does the coolant level go down

[going crazy]

I reckon the coolant level has come down, I can keep a eye on the level and come back in the next few days. Right now the coolant level is above the minimum recommended level - is there anything I can do right now to prevent further smoking or continue to drive while I can?

[TheBoy]

I reckon the coolant level has come down, I can keep a eye on the level and come back in the next few days. Right now the coolant level is above the minimum recommended level - is there anything I can do right now to prevent further smoking or continue to drive while I can?

see if ir drops.  as said, water is a product of efficient combustion, and the ecotec engines do steam a bit, esp when weather is cold...

[TheBoy]

if coolant level is dropping, get it fixed before using it too much

[Tony H]

Chances are it's steam a perfectly normal product of combustion. It will be more noticeable in cold weather as it readily condenses into water droplets. On a windless day observe the exaust gasses, steam dissapates far quicker than smoke which will linger in the air. As said keep an eye on the water level just in case

[Tony H]

Note to self : need to learn to type quicker......

[going crazy]

Thanks for the reply.

If it is a result of normal combustion then why is the smoke coming out of the engine instead of the exhaust pipe? The smoke comes out of the front grill and is occupied by a burning smell. Any further pointers? Will this be a major issue?

[TheBoy]

Thanks for the reply.

If it is a result of normal combustion then why is the smoke coming out of the engine instead of the exhaust pipe? The smoke comes out of the front grill and is occupied by a burning smell. Any further pointers? Will this be a major issue?

Opps, my mistake, assumed exhaust

If you can see it, should be able to pinpoint it.  A holed rad is a likely.

[going crazy]

Cool. Which definately means a trip down the mechanic and I reckon it would cost me a lot to get it fixed. Loved the car but not sure I made the right decision  

[Martin_1962]

Burning smell - sounds like a cam cover gasket - easy fix - clean breathers at the same time

[waspy]

Simple job which you could do your self. There maybe someone close by who's an OOF member that may be willing to help you if you're not mechanically minded

[Andy B]

Cool. Which definately means a trip down the mechanic and I reckon it would cost me a lot to get it fixed. Loved the car but not sure I made the right decision  

Depends how much you want to spend. A new rad for my V6 cost around £200 from the dealers, but I'm sure you can get pattern/copy parts for less. If you want cheaper still, there always cars being broken by members here, if you want second hand. Fitting it is quite easy, even for limited ability/confidence.