Anderson Automotive is the best auto shop in Marion, and we would be happy to inspect your engine thoroughly to determine why it is producing too much exhaust smoke. When the engine produces excess exhaust, it is burning away excess fuel that is leaking from somewhere in the engine. As you will learn below, the color of the exhaust will tell you the fuel that is leaking in the engine. In all cases, you should not continue to drive your automobile because you could damage the engine severely. Rather, have your vehicle towed to our shop to avoid additional engine damage.
Black
If the color of the exhaust that you see exiting from the tailpipe is black, your engine is burning too much fuel. This can happen if the fuel injectors are leaking, you have a problem with the mass airflow or oxygen sensor, there is an issue with the fuel pump, or the fuel system has developed a leak.
As you can imagine, leaking fuel in the engine can make driving your automobile dangerous because it increases the risk of an engine fire. In fact, you might even see sparks in the exhaust if the fuel leak is severe. This is why we recommend that you avoid driving your vehicle.
Blue
You never want to see blue exhaust exiting from the tailpipe, either. This is an indication that your engine has a severe oil leak. The most common cause of a severe oil leak is a blown head gasket. When the head gasket cracks, the oil leaks into the cylinders where it is burned away with the fuel and air. Consequently, continuing to drive your automobile can damage the engine beyond repair because you will not have enough oil circulating through it to protect it adequately.
White
A cracked head gasket can also cause your engine to produce too much white exhaust. The engine’s coolant will also leak into the cylinders when the head gasket blows. This will cause your car, truck, or utility vehicle to overheat while you are driving it. Even if you add coolant to the cooling system, it will leak out of the engine and into the cylinder block. Consequently, it is also a bad idea to drive your vehicle if it is releasing white exhaust out of the tailpipe.
Anderson Automotive in Marion, IA, would be happy to help, so call us today to set up a service appointment for your vehicle if the engine is producing too much exhaust.