can low coolant level in radiator cause valve gaskets to fail and cause white smoke to come from rear exhaust

1998 INFINITI I30
10,000 MILES
Avatar
BELVIS1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
infinity i30 1998 radiator found to be low when checked
Nov 14, 2011 at 11:07 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
If the coolant is low enough to allow the engine to overheat, yes. And yes, white smoke indicates coolant entering the combustion chamber.
Nov 14, 2011 at 11:14 PM
Avatar
PROAUTOTECH
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 288 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
sounds more like head gasket. The coolant is low because it's getting pushed out of your engine and into the exhaust. Try Permatex Head gasket repair in a bottle. I NEVER thought this stuff could work, but I saw it with my own eyes. It's like $30 at autozone. If you have has the head gasket issue for a long time you could have done more extensive damage, more than this magical bottle can repair, but it's worth a shot.
Nov 14, 2011 at 11:18 PM
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 Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.