What causes white smoke from the tail pipe?

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Well white sweet smelling smoke typically means a coolant leak. This can be caused by a cracked block or leaking head gasket. The gasket can be replaced but a crack requires sleeving the block. Blueish smoke indicates an oil leak. This could be from leaking valve seals or rings. Both of which can be replaced.

Answer by  zacanger (434)

If you've just started the car and it's very cold outside, you have nothing to worry about. Otherwise, you are possibly leaking coolant (via the head gasket) into your oil, which is burning, so you need a head gasket. Other possibilities are valve stem seals, PCV valve, transmission fluid, or a cracked head.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Well a white, sweet smoke smelling smoke is usually a sign that you engine is burning coolant. That means you probably either have a leaking head gasket or a cracked head/block. You best option is to have a mechanic take a look at it and determine the issue. Either one will require a good deal of work to set right.

Answer by  oui72 (514)

if it's cold in your place it is normal. just like you breathe during cold season. But if it's really excessive better bring it to a mechanic.