white smoke through the exhaust pipe

1996 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
37,000 MILES
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REYAGUILAR
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  • 4 POSTS
my car is smoking white smoke through the exhaust pipe every time i turn but only when is run for more than 45 minute, any idea what the problem is?
Jul 26, 2012 at 7:41 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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white smoke is an indication of coolant burning. did it overheat???

i would have it checked at a shop for a possible head gasket leak.

Roy
Jul 26, 2012 at 7:54 AM
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REYAGUILAR
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  • 4 POSTS
no its not overheating or nothing , no lights come on for the engine, can i still drive it like that to take it to a mechanic?
Jul 26, 2012 at 7:59 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
i would take and have it checked to be sure in case i am right. otherwise you may do internal engine damage from driving it.

Roy
Jul 26, 2012 at 8:01 AM
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REYAGUILAR
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the problem that i got to drive 45 minutes from work back to the city and im not sure to drive i dont want to damage the engine or anything else
Jul 26, 2012 at 8:03 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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you said it is not overheating, is that correct??

Roy
Jul 26, 2012 at 8:15 AM
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REYAGUILAR
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no is not overheating i just drove it home and now the engine light came on, i talked to a mechanic and he said the oil is going thru the gas and that is the reason and i think it is because suddenly my oil level was low.
Jul 26, 2012 at 1:18 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
not a chance. you need a new mechanic.

start with having the code pulled and get back to us with the number so we can further assist you.

Roy
Jul 26, 2012 at 1:23 PM
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JEFF HERMAN
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  • 486 POSTS
This guy needed a head gasket. White smoke is a given.
Jun 16, 2023 at 2:19 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,548 POSTS
Yep, good call.
Jun 17, 2023 at 2:41 AM
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