white smoke out the back end of the truck and the engine just quit - head gasket?

109,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BCHRISTENSON
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  • 1 POST
While driving on the freeway I first noticed a pinging noise when accelerating at lower speeds. It became louder and I started to lose power. A I was looking for a safe place to pull over I notice some smoke out the back end of the truck and the engine just quit. After getting a tow I opened the hood to discover the hoses leading to and from the radiator were disconnected. I reconnected them, filled up the system with water and tried to start the engine. It seems to be turning over but will not start. After a minute of cranking I stop and can hear guggling noices and have to put some additional water in. Sometimes the resevoir cap pops off. What could be the problem?
Jan 10, 2009 at 4:48 AM
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SQM
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

It does sound like you have a blown head gasket.
Check your oil and see if it is milky color. Which is an obvious sing on coolant in the engine due to a blown head gasket.

You can also test for a blown head gasket by using a tester. It detects combustion gases in the coolant.

Here is a helpful article:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Here is a video instruction of how to dot the test as well:

https://youtu.be/5zpNjYmmiYY


I have attached head gasket replacement procedure for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.
Aug 4, 2021 at 2:11 PM
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