1995 Ford Mustang White Smoke

FORD MUSTANG
Avatar
CARPROB
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I drive a '95 Ford Mustang V6, 3.8L with 114,00mi. on it, recently my waterpump cracked and I'm getting that fixed this week, but I'm wondering if I have a bigger problem on my hands. My car last night started exhausting white smoke, most likely steam from the cracked water pump. My engine oil is nice and black so no coolant is getting in there but, do I have a cracked head?
Thx.
Nov 14, 2006 at 8:26 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
CATCH_15
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 250 POSTS
If you had a cracked head, the coolant and oil would probably be mixed together. They 3.8s had a lot of problems with the head gaskets. If you're not for sure, take the heads off and have a machine shop run a pressure test on the heads and go ahead and replace the head gaskets.
Nov 14, 2006 at 10:43 AM
Avatar
COSMO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 347 POSTS
I would agree that it sounds like you may have cooked one of your head gasket's if you are getting white smoke from time to time.


try looking for air bubbles in your rad or overflow tank white the engine is running. This is another good (or bad sign) that your head gasket might get done.

Don't add STOP leak to your motor. Get your heads removed and checked if required and replace the head gaskets.

Cosmo...Mazda TEch
Nov 15, 2006 at 10:57 AM
🔧 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.

Suggested Repair

Repair the cracked water pump, then check for air bubbles in the radiator or overflow with the engine running. Have the heads removed and pressure-tested at a machine shop and replace the head gaskets if needed. Do not use stop-leak.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1995 Ford Mustang 3.8L with a cracked water pump reported white smoke, likely steam, and asked whether the cylinder head was cracked. The oil showed no coolant contamination. Experts said a cracked head would usually mix coolant and oil, noted common 3.8L head-gasket problems, and recommended checking for bubbles, pressure-testing the heads, and replacing the head gaskets rather than using stop-leak.

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