Coolant in Combustion Chamber

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 GMC Sierra, 2004 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2004 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Inspection	Action
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.
Preliminary Inspection	Verify that there are no external coolant leaks. Refer to Loss of Coolant in Engine Cooling.
Injector Tube Leakage	Clean contaminants Reseal injector tube Replace component as necessary.
Isolate Affected Cylinders	Cylinder balance test with scan tool Cooling system pressurization Inspection of glow plugs Compression test Cylinder leakdown test
EGR System Inspection (If equipped)	Inspect EGR valve and intake system for evidence of coolant leakage. Replace the EGR cooler if any problem is found.
Cylinder Head Gasket Leakage	Remove cylinder heads of the affected cylinder bank and inspect for damage. Replace components as necessary.
Cylinder Head or Engine Block Damage	Inspect the cylinder heads for cracks and warpage. Inspect the cylinder block for damage. Inspect the cylinder block to head mating surface for staightness. Replace components as necessary.