Coolant in Combustion Chamber (LDK, LHU)

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Cause	Correction
DEFINITION: Excessive white smoke and/or coolant type odor 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. NOTE: While not always conclusive, use of hydrocarbon block test kits may reveal hydrocarbons indicating combustion chamber gases in cooling system. It is important to follow the kit instructions. This is not a substitute for service information. Combustion leak tests are available from a wide variety of aftermarket suppliers. A slower than normal cranking speed may indicate coolant entering the combustion chamber. Refer to Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate (LDK, LHU) . Remove the spark plugs and inspect for spark plugs saturated by coolant or coolant in the cylinder bore. Inspect by performing a cylinder leak down test. During this test, excessive air bubbles within the coolant may indicate a faulty gasket or damaged component. Inspect by performing a cylinder compression test. Two cylinders side-by-side on the engine block, with low compression, may indicate a failed cylinder head gasket. Refer to Engine Compression Test .
Faulty cylinder head gasket	Replace the head gasket and components, as required. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection (LDK, LHU) , and Cylinder Head Replacement .
Warped cylinder head	Replace the cylinder head and gasket. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection (LDK, LHU) .
Cracked cylinder head	Replace the cylinder head and gasket.
Cracked cylinder liner	Replace the components, as required.
Cylinder head or block porosity	Replace the components, as required.