MASSIVE BACKFIRING PLEASE HELP

GMC
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JOE_MILLA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 1997 v6 camaro, 145,000 miles, and I am having major problems. I was driving down the street a couple days and I heard some loud clanking and then the car flat out died after one backfire. When I tried to restart the car the engine tried to turn over to no avail. I had it towed home. The next day the car starts right up and seems to be running completely fine except for white smoke coming out of the tail pipe. I drove around for a while and then stopped at the store. When I came back out the car would not start. Once again it would try to turn over and then just die out. After several tries I got it to start but with massive backfiring and smoke. Although it eventually died again. I know my catalytic converter needs to be replaced although I have a feeling that is the least of my problems right now. I dont have the ability to get the car to a diagnostic machine and I do not have any idea where to start. PLEASE HELP
Feb 14, 2006 at 3:03 AM
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MVANNESSJR
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 223 POSTS
White smoke is a sign of a coolant leak into the oil. Check oil for coolant. You may have a blown head gasket and you've fried the engine.
Feb 15, 2006 at 12:35 AM

Suggested Repair

Check the engine oil for coolant contamination. White exhaust smoke with repeated no-starts and backfiring may indicate a blown head gasket and possible internal engine damage. Confirm that before replacing the catalytic converter.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1997 V6 Camaro with 145,000 miles reported loud clanking, a backfire, and a stall, followed by intermittent no-starts, massive backfiring, and white tailpipe smoke. The owner suspected the catalytic converter but could not get a diagnostic scan. The expert said white smoke can indicate coolant leaking into the oil, advised checking the oil for coolant, and warned of a possible blown head gasket and engine damage.

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