EXHAUST TROUBLE SHOOTING

Looks fun. If you have smoke coming from the exhaust it could be one of three problems. First, if it is black smoke that would indicate too much fuel. Possible cause-carburetor. Second, if the smoke is white possible cause is water or coolant in the system. Possible head gaskets . Third, if blue smoke,excessive oil usage.

he causes of white exhaust smoke can vary; however, it is common to see white exhaust smoke when first starting a car, especially on cooler days. This is generally steam caused by condensation. As the engine warms up and the condensation dissipates the white exhaust smoke (steam) is no longer seen. If excessive white exhaust smoke is present well after the engine warms up, it is necessary to have the car inspected for possible internal coolant leaks. Indicators of an internal coolant leak include billowing white exhaust smoke accompanied by a sweet odor or a low coolant reservoir level. An internal coolant leak can also contaminate the engine oil giving it a frothy, milky appearance. Even small amounts of coolant entering the combustion chamber will produce white exhaust smoke.
One of the main causes of white exhaust smoke and coolant loss is a cracked or warped cylinder head, a cracked engine block, or head gasket failure caused by overheating. A cracked head may allow coolant to leak into one or more cylinders or into the combustion chamber of the engine. Dirty coolant, a poorly maintained cooling system, a low coolant level, or a non-functioning cooling fan can cause engine overheating. In addition, engine wear can eventually cause the gaskets to lose their capacity to seal properly allowing internal coolant loss. Intake manifold gasket and head gasket failures are two of the most common sources of internal coolant loss caused by engine wear.
Never remove the radiator cap or coolant reservoir cap while the engine is hot or running as it can cause serious injury; always allow the car to cool down completely first. Checking for a low coolant level in the reservoir is the first step in determining if coolant loss is causing the white exhaust smoke. If the coolant reservoir is at the proper level but excessive white exhaust smoke is present, a cooling system pressure check is required to determine where, if any, coolant leaks are located.

Where is the white smoke coming from? Under hood? Out tail pipe? If excessive white smoke from tail pipe, suspect a head gasket failure which in turn will fill the cooling system with exhaust pressure forcing the coolant to come out of the reservoir and resulting in an overheating problem

You may have a broken ring or scored cylinder wall and piston. Have a cylinder leak down test performed to confirm this. Other causes can be a plugged crankcase ventilation system causing pressure to build in the engine, if that is the case the air cleaner box should have oil in it. The grey color of the smoke means you are burning a lot of oil.

Just letting you know that white is water, blue is oil and black is gas coming out of the exhaust.

What colour is the smoke coming from the vehicle?
could a number of things if its excessive?

If you have excessive white smoke coming from the exhaust, it sounds like your headgasket has blown. Check the water level...is it down? Is your engine oil milky looking? if so you probably need a new gasket. Hope this helps...

If you have excessive white smoke coming from the vehicles exhaust, it sounds like your headgasket is failing. Especially having a rough idle too. Check your coolant level, does your exhaust smoke smell sweet, like Antifreeze? If so, the gasket has blown. Hope this helps...

Not to worry. Run the engine up to operating temp before jumping to conclusions and let the heat burn off any excess oil. A leaf will not do any damage.Do not let the engine overheat while idling and if the oil light comes on switch off immediately.
The smoke from the exhaust is oil deposited by oily assembly hands just burning off. It should dissipate after about 15 minutes at most.(or 5 miles' drive)

Change fuel filter. I know it doesn't make sense. It seems like you're getting too much fuel, so the filter shouldn't be plugged. But that's how they act.