Have you ever seen a milky substance coming out of your car’s exhaust pipe?
It’s coolant coming out of exhaust, and this is something that can be a cause for worry for many car drivers. However, in some cases, this may be due to a major problem; not all cases are serious.
As you now know this milky substance that is coming out of the exhaust pipe is the coolant of the vehicle. It is essential for preventing engine damage from freezing or heating. In this article, we will discuss why coolant is coming out and what can be done about it.
Contents
Understanding Engine Coolant
Coolant is a substance used to regulate the temperature of the car. This can be in liquid or gas form. Although water can be used, coolants are more effective.
Moreover, coolants have many advantages compared to water. The coolants are free of water and mineral impurities, as well as other impurities that can damage the steel in the car engine.
It is critical to set the temperature so that the car engine does not overheat. A liquid in the exhaust system can help reduce engine heat. Coolant plays a role in maintaining the correct temperature.
The coolants have a high boiling point and a low freezing point. The coolants come in three colors: red, green, and orange, with red being the most common.
Overview of Exhaust System
The exhaust system of the car is responsible for collecting and converting harmful gases and exhausting the gases away from the combustion engine of the vehicle. The toxic gases from the engine are converted into carbon dioxide and water vapor.
The exhaust system reduces the noise of the engine. The system not only reduces the sound of the engine but also cleans up the harmful gases from the engine before releasing them into the environment.
Coolant Coming Out of Exhaust: Common Causes
Coolant coming out of exhaust is typically due to one of the three issues. The issue should be addressed right away, as the exhaust system must work properly for the vehicle to run safely and reliably.
Head Gasket Failure
The most likely cause of coolant leaking out of the exhaust is a blown head gasket. Replacing the faulty head gasket is the cheapest repair for all possible coolant leaks. The position of the head gasket is between the engine block and the cylinder head.
The main purpose of this part is to create an airtight seal between these parts. Sometimes there may be a breakdown in these parts that is caused by faulty parts or poor maintenance.
There might be one or multiple cracks when the head gasket blows. These cracks allow the engine coolant to escape the engine block and make its way into the exhaust chambers, thus traveling out of the exhaust tailpipe.
The immediate solution for this problem would be to have it checked by a professional and replace it to prevent further damage. This may lead to a cracked cylinder, which will be a more expensive repair.
Engine Overheating
The main reason for the overheating of the engine is a low coolant level or a broken thermostat. The coolant takes the heat generated by the engine and moves it to the radiator. It blows air across the liquid and cools it down.
Thus, heat is exchanged with the air outside the vehicle. Without the coolant, the engine of the car will overheat, leading to a mechanical breakdown and engine failure. The coolant reacts with water to dissipate heat and keep the engine from overheating.
Cracked Engine Block
Engine blocks or cylinder head cracks will allow coolant to enter the combustion chamber and be expelled through the exhaust. The crack in the head will leak coolant into the cylinder or the crankcase.
This will damage the engine bearings by diluting the oil. This can also damage the spark plugs.
Eventually, this will lead to the leaking of the coolant from the exhaust pipe. The cracked head is the most difficult to repair, as it needs to be done by an experienced mechanical expert in welding.
The intake manifold is an important component of the engine that directs the coolant to the cylinders. Rarely, the intake manifest may blow a casket or crack due to increased pressure and temperature. This mostly leads to the coolant getting pooled on the ground below the engine.
Another cause of coolant leaks is worn rings or pistons. If a tight seal is not formed in the cylinders, it can push the coolants to the combustion chamber and be expelled through the exhaust. This is mostly happening in high mileage engines or because of poor maintenance.
A radiator leak can also be a cause of the coolant’s expulsion from the vehicle. A radiator is responsible for keeping the engine cool. If the radiator fails to function properly, it can cause the coolant to boil and vaporize, which is then expelled through the exhaust. Corrosion can lead to hole formation, which can also be a cause of coolant leakage.
Diagnosis and Repair
The above problems, though severe, can be repaired, allowing you to enjoy your drives as usual.
Importance of Prompt Diagnosis
A prompt diagnosis will aid in the prevention of further damage and, eventually, the breakdown of the vehicle. A quick diagnosis and fix of the issue are crucial, especially due to the extremely hot and cold climatic conditions.
The coolant has a sweet scent that attracts animals such as cats and dogs, hence, your pet’s life can be at risk as it contains poisonous substances.
Steps to Diagnose The Issue
Check the following to find out whether your car has coolant leaks:
- If you are getting a sweet smell before or after driving the vehicle it is an indication of coolant leakage.
- If you see a colored puddle under your car after you leave your car stationary for some time that means there is coolant leaking.
- If you notice the temperature gauge of your vehicle starting to climb up it is due to the lesser volume of coolant which can be because of coolant leakage. Your dashboard lights also indicate a coolant leak.
Repair Options and Cost
The easiest and the most economical repair option is regularly checking the coolant leakage and fixing it as soon as the first sign of trouble appears. The problem can be fixed with simple repairs, such as replacing a faulty radiator or blown head gasket, provided the issue is diagnosed early.
The cost of a coolant leak can range from $10 to $3,000. Parts and labor for an entire radiator replacement can range from $300 to $1200. At the same time, the repair of the head gasket can cost $2,000 or more.
Prevention and Maintainance
There are some tricks and tips to follow in order to avoid coolant problems.
- Checking the coolant level regularly is most important.
- The correct mix of water and antifreeze is crucial.
- Check the hoses, pipes, and other system components on a regular basis to ensure leak proofing and other damages.
- Has the exhaust system been flushed at least once a year to remove dirt and other debris?
- Check the thermostat regularly and replace it if it is damaged.
- Don’t overfill the radiator.
- Replace the coolant every two years and ensure that the correct antifreeze/water ratio is used for your vehicle’s engine.
- Check the hose, pipe, and other components of the system for any wear and tear. Following these can help you avoid any expensive repairs due to coolant issues.
Symptoms of Coolant Coming Out
Visual Indicators
- White smoke coming out of the exhaust
- Oil in the vehicle becoming milky in color
- Presence of coolant in the oil while checking oil levels
- Notice the temperature gauge of the vehicle climbing up
Performance symptoms
- If the engine of the vehicle is consistently overheating
- Low coolant levels in the vehicle
Possible Causes
- Leak in the radiator hose or radiator
- Failed water pump or defective expansion tank
- Leaks around the hose clamps or cracks around plastic tubes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you lose coolant through the exhaust?
Yes, there can be leakage of the coolant through the exhaust.
How do you know if your exhaust is leaking coolant?
If you notice white smoke coming out of the exhaust and it is sweet-smelling, then it is an indication of a coolant leak.
What does coolant in exhaust look like?
Observing the color of the smoke coming from the exhaust pipe of the car can help. White smoke is most likely just water vapor and not coolant if it is present. However, if the smoke is blue or black, your car is likely burning coolant.
How do I know if my head gasket is leaking coolant?
If the coolant is seen in the engine oil and vice versa, this is an indication of a leak from the head gasket. The temperature of the engine will also increase.
What would happen if engine coolant got into the exhaust?
If engine coolant gets into the exhaust, it can damage the head gasket, the intake manifold, and other engine components. The problems can lead to costly repairs for the vehicle.
Conclusion:
You may drive the car even if the coolant is leaking from the exhaust, but it is not recommended as it can lead to the breakdown of the vehicle eventually.
Observe the white color of the smoke and water coming out of the tailpipe after starting the vehicle. If this has a sweet smell it indicates a coolant leak.
Also, observe whether the vehicle is getting overheated. In the above conditions, fix the issue as soon as possible in order to avoid further damage to the vehicle.
This will not only save you from creating a hole in your pocket but also be good for the vehicle, ensuring a reliable and safe journey.
