Coolant in Combustion Chamber

/ 9-5 (9650) / 2011 / 2. Engine / Basic engine, 1.6 l petrol / Fault diagnosis, fault symptoms / Coolant in Combustion Chamber

Cause	Correction
DEFINITION: Excessive white smoke and/or coolant type odor coming from the exhaust pipe may indicate coolant in the combustion chamber. Low coolant levels, an inoperative cooling fan, or a faulty thermostat may lead to an overtemperature condition which may cause engine component damage. 1. A slower than normal cranking speed may indicate coolant entering the combustion chamber. Refer to Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate . 2. Remove the spark plugs and inspect for spark plugs saturated by coolant or coolant in the cylinder bore. 3. Inspect by performing a cylinder leak-down test. During this test, excessive air bubbles within the coolant may indicate a faulty gasket or damaged component. 4. Inspect by performing a cylinder compression test. Two cylinders side-by-side on the engine block, with low compression, may indicate a failed cylinder head gasket. Refer to Engine Compression Test (1.6L LLU) .
Faulty cylinder head gasket	Replace the head gasket and components as required. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection and Cylinder Head Replacement (LLU/A16LET) .
Warped cylinder head	Replace the cylinder head and gasket. Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement (LLU/A16LET) .
Cracked cylinder head	Replace the cylinder head and gasket. Cylinder Head Replacement (LLU/A16LET)
Cracked cylinder liner	Replace the components as required.
Cylinder head or block porosity	Replace the components as required.

---

---

This project is supported by memberships and donations. If you use this site, please consider Joining SCNA and/or making a donation.