white smoke but maybe not coolant seal? (in denial)
 

Okay, my newest problem. Excessively large amounts of white sweet smelling coolant smoke billowing out of my exhaust. Now, since it has trouble starting up (I have to turn the key for 3+ seconds, and WOT), and the smoke lasts a good 5 minutes even when warmed up . I thought for sure it was rebuild time or the last resort fix. The thing that is weird is that it is not overheating, and it doesn't seem to be fizzing/bubbling in the filler neck. The coolant light comes on too, seemingly at random times. NO coolant leaks either.

I've searched and searched, as there is many posts on white smoke usually caused by a killed coolant seal, but since there is no fizzing/bubbling in my filler neck, or overheating wouldn't that rule out the coolant seal?

What the hell, newbie 7 owner at his best begging for answers....thanks for any help...

also, turbos boosting 9 psi, and other than the smoke she is running beautifully!

By filler neck, you are referring to the one next to the alternater and airpump, correct? You need to wait until the thermostat opens up before you see the tell-tale champagne bubbles. My bet is that your inner o-ring is toast. Start posting in the 3rd gen section. How many miles are on your engine?

too many
 

she just went over 100k, probably is an o-ring....but as of last night it decided it was over heating time....one of my radiator hoses sprung loose too and sprayed all over the engine so i got some of those tightening clamp things and tightened it up...yet it is still overheating but since i am getting mega-coolant cumbustion (white smoke EVERYWHERE) i am thinking coolant seal, or o-ring must definitely be gone....rebuild time..

thanks for the reply though

If you are getting coolant in the exhaust, it is coming from a blown o-ring. The only other place I can think of would be a cracked turbo, but I've never heard of that before.

cracked turbo
 

arent the turbos oil cooled though? why would a cracked turbo leak coolant? it is most definitely an o-ring, think i should do the "last resort" fix? hopefully get it running just for the summer so i can accumulate some funds for a new engine...

The turbos are lubricated and cooled by oil, but they are also water cooled. Like I said, I've never heard of anyone having this problem, but it seems possible (very improbable though).

You can try the 'last resort' fix, but from your description it sounds like you have a massive leak that is beyond repair without rebuilding the motor.

Oh, alright I get ya now on the turbos. Yeah, that sucks....last resort fix probably wont work. Alright, thanks for the help guys. Looks like I might just go a cheap street port with 3mm apex seals for around 3k and drop it in myself.

Wish me luck, I might need it.

lol I'm in the same boat and not too far away. Maybe we can do a group motor replacement project;)

i as well... atleast i got to see the astonished faces of the people around me as i limped home. its sad really. good luck to us