When starting there is a white plume of smoke from tailpipe

2005 FORD MUSTANG
149,600 MILES
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SHANE PEEK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Every time I start my car a plume of white smoke comes out of the tailpipe, it just comes out for about 10 seconds then goes away. I've noticed my engine coolant level has gone down some also. What could be the problem?
Jun 6, 2020 at 6:15 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good afternoon,

White smoke is burning coolant.

There are 2 things that could cause it

1. leaking head gasket. You need to have a leak down test done to confirm. This is when you insert shop air into each cylinder and watch for movement of the coolant in the radiator.

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

2. Intake manifold gasket leaking. It could cross over from a coolant passage to a cylinder.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-intake-manifold-gasket

Roy
Jun 6, 2020 at 7:47 AM
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