1996 Infiniti I30 rough idle and white smoke

1996 INFINITI I30
138,000 MILES
Avatar
YASU
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
when the car is running for a long time all of the sudden when I am at the stop light the car start to get rough idle and when I step on the gas pedal white smoke comes out from the tail pipe. could you tell me whats wrong with it.

thank you
Jul 29, 2013 at 12:33 PM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,246 POSTS
It could be a couple things... one you won't want to hear, but I will tell you. As far as the rough idle, it could be caused by a vacuum leak, need of a tune up, a bad idle air control valve... The white smoke has me concerned. White smoke is usually the result of coolant entering the combustion chamber of the engine and burning with the gas. For coolant to get into the combustion chamber, either a head gasket is bad, a head is warped or one could be cracked.
Jul 29, 2013 at 12:38 PM
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
Its running rough due to coolant entering the combustion chamber could be as stated above-
Jul 29, 2013 at 12:58 PM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,246 POSTS
Raz, great to hear from you. Thanks for the support.
Jul 29, 2013 at 1:17 PM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle