2002-Smoke coming from reservoir

robean218 · 07-30-2015, 10:57 AM

Hello...My coolant light comes on..I checked the reservoir and it is empty. Added coolant and a week later, it is empty again. Today, I added to the reservoir and let the car run. Smoke started coming from the reservoir. What could cause this?

Tech II · 07-30-2015, 12:41 PM

Do you have any white smoke coming from your tail pipe, especially on startup? Does the engine initially misfire on startup?

Scanned for codes?

I assume this is a 4 cyl, 2.4 engine?

You obviously have a leak, and topping off the coolant, can only complicate the problem....if it is an external leak, it should be fixed...if you continue to drive it, causing the vehicle to overheat, they you could create more serious problems, like a head gasket problem....

gmtech1 · 07-30-2015, 12:54 PM

Check you oil level and condition. If it's over filled and/or milky colored, you have coolant in the oil. IF there is a fill cap on the valve cover, you can look inside for the milky color also.

robean218 · 07-30-2015, 01:05 PM

4 cylinder, 2.4 engine and no smoke coming from tailpipe. checked oil and color and levels are good. The thing of it is that we checked the ground for leaks and the first time it was but I haven't drove the car in 2 days and nothing on the ground but the reservoir was empty again.

robean218 · 07-30-2015, 01:10 PM

4 cylinder, 2.4 engine and no smoke coming from tailpipe. checked oil and color and levels are good. The thing of it is that we checked the ground for leaks and the first time it was but I haven't drove the car in 2 days and nothing on the ground but the reservoir was empty again.

gmtech1 · 07-30-2015, 01:11 PM

Maybe inside the car? Heater core? You need to pressure test the system and inspect it.

Blue Bowtie · 08-01-2015, 11:41 AM

Or possibly a head gasket leaking into a chamber (not into an oil drainback). If one of the spark plugs is extremely clean, that would be an indication of coolant in that chamber.

rhandwor · 08-26-2015, 12:14 PM

Go to Advanced Auto or Auto Zone get a loaner pressure tester. Install it and put about 10 psi on the gauge and run the engine if gauge pulsates you have a blown head gasket.

rkvons · 08-27-2015, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhandwor

Go to Advanced Auto or Auto Zone get a loaner pressure tester. Install it and put about 10 psi on the gauge and run the engine if gauge pulsates you have a blown head gasket.

Thanks. Another good suggestion for diagnosing issues.

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