car rattles and shakes with smoke out of pipes

1992 FORD BRONCO
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JOLYNN
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  • 1 POST
Car starts and idles rough and shakes, white smoke out of tail pipes. Sometimes it wont start at all. Been to mechanic they get it is work, we bring it home, run it all over and the next morning it starts all over again.
Ford dealer can't even seem to fix it.
Dec 22, 2011 at 3:53 AM
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SQM
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hello,

White smoke out of the tail pipe is a symptom of a blown head gasket.
If you have a blown head gasket it will allow coolant to mix with oil and will create white smoke.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/white-smoke-or-steam-coming-from-the-exhaust-pipe

Check the oil if it is milky in color then you have coolant in oil. You can also do a blown head gasket test. The test checks for combustion gases in the coolant by using a chemical mix.

Here is a guide of how to check for blown head gasket:

https://youtu.be/5zpNjYmmiYY

Many times you will have starting issues with a blown head gasket. It could also overheat as well.

I have attached head gasket replacement procedure for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
Sep 7, 2021 at 2:58 PM
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