When you first start an engine when it is cold, it is mormal the exhaust pipe will emit water vapor (white steam) and water until the engine reaches running temperature.
If this problem occurs when the engine is hot and been running a while then you could have a head gasket problem, especially if you have to top up the water in the radiator frequently.
You need to get a mechanic to do a compression test on each cylinder to determine the exact problem with the engine.
If you get white smoke when at idle and you then press the accelerator, also if you coast down hill and then press the accelerator, then this is caused be worn piston rings or worn valve guides which allow some engine oil to pass into the combustion chamber.
As for the water problem, it is a bit of a guess especially you are not losing water from the radiator.
My guess is, if you are in a very cold area you can still get water vapor condensing in the exhaust system and this is the water you are seeing.
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In cold weather this is normal - water vapors from the exhaust gases condenses. If the smoke is really thick it can be caused by a punctured head gasket - in that case it must be repaired immediately or the engine can be destroyed.
There are several ways to test that - the easiest way is to do a longer trip and check the coolant before and after - lower levels, oily impurities.
Hi,
How many miles are on the vehicle? Most likely it is a blown head gasket. this is a fairly expensive repair. Check the oil to see if there is coolant in it. It should appear milky. If you have any other questions please let me know.
thank you,
Lee
You may want to try changing the pcv valve as well. Sometimes white smoke can mean a problem with the transmission as well.
thank you,
Lee
If you could give me and other experts feedback before asking for further assistance it would make it easier to assist you in solving your problem.
Thank you,
Lee
I would try and check/change the pcv valve then.
Thanks again,
lee
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don't have to add water but my problem does exsist when my car is at running temp
when my car is at running temp it does smoke but i don't have a problem having to add water n the water that comes from tail pipe comes when i rev the engine
it has about 150,000 miles n i don't have milky coolant
it doesn't smoke at all times just when i've been sitting idled for awhile maybe 5 minutes
i am trying to give you all the info concerning that problem i had a previous ? i was trying to delete then remembered i did have another problem but i don't seem to think it pertains to this particuler question sorry for any misunderstandings your help is greatly valued
took it on an 8 hour drive and eveything looked good
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