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Coolant in Combustion Chamber

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
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.
  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 . During this test, excessive 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 engine 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.
Warped cylinder head Machine the cylinder head to the proper flatness, if applicable and replace the cylinder head gasket. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement - Left Side  or Cylinder Head Replacement - Right Side .
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.
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