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
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BELVIS1
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  • 1 POST
infinity i30 1998 radiator found to be low when checked
Nov 14, 2011 at 3:07 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
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 3:14 PM
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PROAUTOTECH
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 288 POSTS
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 3:18 PM
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