1997 Cadillac STS Cadilac

1997 CADILLAC STS
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KIKE1
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Engine Performance problem
1997 Cadillac STS V8 Front Wheel Drive Automatic

Why does It throw white smoke out the mufler?
why does is say service steering reduced?
Feb 9, 2010 at 10:02 PM
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ERNEST CLARK
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 1,730 POSTS
White smoke is coolant being burned through the exhaust.

There's a few ways this could happen. blown head/intake gasket, cracked cylinder head, cracked block.

In your case, this is almost always a blown head gasket.

Do you have to frequently replace your anti-freeze??? Does your engine run hot/overheat???

If you pull the dipstick and your oil looks like milkshake, then that's a blown intake gasket, cracked head/block. If not, then remove the coolant surge tank cap and look inside as someone revs your motor to at least 1500 r.p.m.s. If you see large bubbles, then you have a blown head gasket.

For the steering warning, first check your power steering fluid level. If it's low, fill it. If it's not, then have your computer scanned at AutoZone. They'll do this for free. You're computer may have set a code. If not, you'll have to take it in to a shop.
Feb 20, 2010 at 8:57 PM
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