1990 Nissan Sentra White Smoke

NISSAN SENTRA
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MOT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Ok, I don't know a thing about cars... I know where to put the gas, and I can change my own oil, thats as far as my knowladge extends. Thats the reason I keep my wife around, she's a car chick, and can handle most problems that I get.
This one she dosn't know what to do about though.
I was driving on the highway and looked into my rear view mirror and noticed a single plume of white smoke come out the back end of my car, it didn't make any funny sounds or behave wierdly, just a single blast of smoke then it stopped and didn't happen again.
I called my wife, but she had no idea what the problem was, I figured it probibly wasn't a big deal since it wasn't continious smoke and just kept on driving to work.
As I pulled into my parking lot it happened again though, and this time I think I heard a funny sound that I could only describe as maybe a rusteling.
I don't know if it's an exaust problem, or somethign more serious.
The car was EChecked in Febuary and passed with no problems... my roomate says that there is a small hole in my exaust though.

Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.
The car is a 1990 Nissan Sentra.

Thanks
MOT
Mar 25, 2006 at 2:13 AM
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2CARPRO BOB
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 45 POSTS
White smoke is caused by coolant or water coming out the tail pipe. There is a chance that the white smoke was caused by water splashing up from a puddle onto the exhaust pipe. Keep an eye on the coolant level in the radiator in any event.
Mar 26, 2006 at 1:08 PM
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MOT
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Thank you.
I will tell my wife to do that since I've got no notion where that would be.
Thanks again
MOT
Mar 27, 2006 at 4:15 AM
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Suggested Repair

Monitor the radiator coolant level. White smoke from the tailpipe is typically coolant or water; it may have been water splashing onto the exhaust from a puddle, but the coolant level should still be checked.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1990 Nissan Sentra reported a brief plume of white smoke from the exhaust on the highway, then a second occurrence while parking that may have included a rustling sound. A roommate noted a small exhaust hole, and the car had passed an emissions check. The expert explained that white smoke is caused by coolant or water exiting the tailpipe and may have been water splashing onto the exhaust, and advised watching the radiator coolant level.

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