White smoke just started today- 2008 4.7L Commander with 175K

[.455_Hunter]

What do you guys think?

Wife called and said the car started blowing white smoke while she was ideling with the AC waiting to drop-off our daughter for B-day party. She drove it a few blocks and it quit smoking. She got home and I checked all fluids- everything was correct. I started it and let run in a similar situation and after about 15 min it started emitting a light white smoke.

Did we catch the start of a leaky head gasket?

Luckily, the vehicle has the unicorn factory lifetime powertrain warranty with $0 deductable, so probably get it to Pollard on Monday.

[zteknik]

Yes, white smoke sounds like the early symptoms of a failing head gasket. Does it smell like antifreeze when it happens?

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[Duman]

I thought white smoke meant they've selected a new pope....

[.455_Hunter]

Does it smell like antifreeze when it happens?

When I smelled the vapor, I wouldn't describe it as "sweet", but more like water putting out a campfire sort of smell. This vehicle has the orange coolant, if that makes any difference.

[BushMasterBoy]

They have a test kit. I have never used one. Link below is one source.

https://www.harborfreight.com/combustion-leak-detector-64814.html?cid=paid_google|*PLA+-+All+Products|All+Products|64814&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=*PLA+-+All+Products&utm_content=All+Products&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi_bzse2v6wIVYj2tBh2TDw2CEAQYAyAB EgL43fD_BwE

[Great-Kazoo]

possibly a HG. Wipe the tailpipe to see what sort of residue you're getting . There's a sniff test a shop can do, where they open the radiator cap, ru a tester over the fill area. It will read whether there's exhaust in the fluid.

[BPTactical]

Or if you have the Unicorn Warranty not give a shit and let them deal with it.

[whitewalrus]

Normally white smoke is coolant being burned. There are a few other places besides head gasket where it can get in. I would get it in and let them deal with it as you have the warranty. Some places they will pull you over for it smoking, so best to get it fixed sooner rather than later.

[KS63]

Head gasket.

[TEAMRICO]

My 1973 Chevy Monte Carlo with the swivel Captains Seats back in High School.........

[ray1970]

Or if you have the Unicorn Warranty not give a shit and let them deal with it.

Pretty much have to agree.

[zteknik]

Yep, head gaskets. Like its been said bring it in as soon as you can and let the wty take care of it. Be advised it may take a few days to get it approved. Wty company will want the tech to run tests and document his findings with pictures/video then they'll send an adjuster out to check, then they'll make their decision on what repairs to authorize.

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[.455_Hunter]

Yep, head gaskets. Like its been said bring it in as soon as you can and let the wty take care of it. Be advised it may take a few days to get it approved. Wty company will want the tech to run tests and document his findings with pictures/video then they'll send an adjuster out to check, then they'll make their decision on what repairs to authorize.

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Fortunately, the warranty company is Chrysler itself. The lifetime powertrain for the original owner was a carrot dangled to get sales in early 2009 when they were having liquidity issues. Not very many vehicles were sold with it - ours was a 2008 that was still on the lot.

[BushMasterBoy]

I think the only hitch, is that the dealer must inspect the vehicle every five years for the warranty to be valid. Granted it is a free inspection...


https://www.dodge.com/crossbrand/warranty/pdf/09_Ram_1500_Gas_LPLW_2nd_Ed.pdf

[.455_Hunter]

I think the only hitch, is that the dealer must inspect the vehicle every five years for the warranty to be valid. Granted it is a free inspection...


https://www.dodge.com/crossbrand/warranty/pdf/09_Ram_1500_Gas_LPLW_2nd_Ed.pdf

Yup. We have completed two inspection cycles- Last one just over a year ago.

[ruthabagah]

the 4.7 engine is well known for this issue.... a rebuild block is around 10k installed if you don't take care of the gaskets right away.

[brutal]

Fortunately, the warranty company is Chrysler itself. The lifetime powertrain for the original owner was a carrot dangled to get sales in early 2009 when they were having liquidity issues. Not very many vehicles were sold with it - ours was a 2008 that was still on the lot.

Lucky you. Those lifetime Maxcare warranties stopped being sold like 2 years ago across the board.

[JohnnyDrama]

My 1973 Chevy Monte Carlo with the swivel Captains Seats back in High School.........

Nice!