[Mk2] [NA] White smoke from Exhaust

[taxman2014]

Was hoping my motor got through her 1st winter with me smoothly but today she started billowing out white smoke from her exhaust. Car wasn't used for last 3 days as I was off work. Started with a bit of a thud thud heavy sound.
Took the below vid as I got to work. Also noticed heater wasn't working. Rubbing sound coming from passenger side rear end when accelerating.

Link: Can't post link to vid. Not posted enough. Don't usually post as I'm just a silent reader that trawls through all the old posts! Anyway its titled mr2 mk2-white smoke. YouTube. Hope im not breaking any rules. Sorry

On the way home temp gauge climbed up to nearly 11 o'clock. Stopped and waited for it to cool before continuing home. Also a slow consistent popping sound coming from rear end. Which continued after the engine was switched off.

Last mot was before I purchased. Only advisory was exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (and deteriorated).

Is that the issue, but doesn't explain overheating.

Any idea guys?

P.s 1st vid I've ever uploaded so hope it works!

[ashley]

What revision and engine is it? Rev 1/2 turbo?

White smoke/ steam is normally coolant, and together with the other symptoms you are describing, it could well be a coolant leak into the bores...head gasket failure?

It sounds strange, but does the exhaust smell slightly sweat? Anti freeze has quite a distinct smell when it goes through the cylinders.

[taxman2014]

Thanks for the response. Tis a Rev 3, UK spec. Tried the sniff test but just recovered from a cold

[ashley]

Hmm...from what I've heard it's unusual to see h/g failure on a rev3, especially an NA

[androo007]

It'll be fine, just the time of year.

[Mullen]

Link to your vid - www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz1v8PbSXqY

That is quite a lot of smoke/steam.

Sounds like you have air in the system &/or a leak 'somewhere'
www.mr2oc.co.uk/know-your-2-knowledge-b ... bartid=161

Start with a flush, bleed & refill, check your rad cap is good & there are no obvious leaks from pipes, rad, etc.

[taxman2014]

Thanks guys for the help and reassurances. Cheers for the link pal.

I've got the heater working now. But still losing water. Can see constant bit of water being spat out of the exhaust too.

I've had the rear end up and taken out the bubbles. Definitely thinking a leak. Water is coming out of the exhaust.

Oil Cap is looking mayonnaisy too But oil dip stick is coming up with clean golden brown oil.

[Draven]

Oil cap mayo is defo coolant.. I'd say head gasket is gone.

[Nic]

If the car has been stood it could just be condensation on the oil cap this time of year, likewise condensation inside the exhaust being burnt off when first started.

If there's excessive white smoke and it isn't clearing once the car is up to temperature then get a sniff test done, that should tell you if there is a problem.

[alanmr2turbo]

Well if that's the steam coming out of exhaust after car has heated up like you say in video then it's your head gasket gone.

Air block would stop you getting hot air through vents but wont produce steam from exhaust.

[taxman2014]

Aye. It's looking that way. Gutted. Going to take it over to Nathan in Willenhall next week. Tis a bit of a drive from Birmingham City Centre. Hope I don't cause more damage to it. Will take plenty of water.

[Mullen]

At least with the current air temps it'll cool pretty quickly... that said, the second the gauge goes past 9 o'clock you really want to be pulling over & letting it cool so probably best to avoid the motorway.

[alanmr2turbo]

Aye. It's looking that way. Gutted. Going to take it over to Nathan in Willenhall next week. Tis a bit of a drive from Birmingham City Centre. Hope I don't cause more damage to it. Will take plenty of water.

Its in good hand their, Nathan a great guy and only he touches my car apart from me

[taxman2014]

Aye, had my clutch changed by Nathan about 5 weeks ago. Top fella.

My local garage considers my mr2 a specialist motor thus doesn't even want to look at it. Nice guys but just outside their knowledge/experience base. Appreciate their honesty.

Just concerned about the journey there. Going to drive real gingerly. Every odd sound or smoke sends a jolt through me heart...not too sure what the Freudians would say to that.