Coolant in Combustion Chamber

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. A slower than normal cranking speed may indicate coolant entering the combustion chamber. Refer to Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate . 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 , and Cylinder Head Removal - Left Side , and Cylinder Head Installation - Left Side , , or Cylinder Head Removal - Right Side , and Cylinder Head Installation - Right Side .
Warped cylinder head	Machine the cylinder head to the proper 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 engine block	Replace the components, as required.
Cylinder head or engine block porosity	Replace the components, as required.