What Causes White Smoke From a Diesel Engine?
Excessive exhaust smoke from a diesel engine can be due to a number of reasons. There may be issues with black or gray smoke which may require some form of diesel repair, but in this article, we will deal with the issue of white smoke. White smoke is typically linked to contaminants mixing with fuel and air during the combustion process. If the white smoke is thin and fades away within a short period of time, it is probably caused by condensation. However, the thick white smoke that lasts could be an indication of a bigger problem and will require some kind of diesel repairs.
So what causes white smoke from a diesel engine? Here is a brief explanation of some of the more common causes:
- Burning coolant – Coolant can leak into the engine and burn, caused by a blown head gasket, a damaged cylinder head, or a cracked engine block.
- Unburnt fuel – There are several reasons fuel could be passing through the engine and reaching the exhaust without being burned; the engine is not hot enough to burn the fuel, slow compression in the cylinder, problems with the fuel injectors, a clogged air filter, burnt-out glow-plugs, or the use of low-quality fuel.
- Bad injectors – Contaminants like dust or rust particles will clog up the spray tip of the injectors and keep them from closing, creating an improper mix of diesel fuel and air during combustion.
- Clogged fuel filter – Contaminants start to build up around the filter and begin to restrict the flow of diesel fuel to the engine, resulting in an unbalanced mix of air and diesel inside the combustion chamber. This can also result in stalling, misfires, and loss of power.
- Transmission fluid leak – Transmission fluid leaks are typically caused by a damaged or faulty diaphragm valve of the vacuum modulators at the side of the transmission case, or by cracked transmission gaskets and seals (caused by long-term wear and overheating).
- Leaking valve seals or piston rings – Worn or damaged valve stem seals or piston rings allow oil to leak into the combustion chamber, mixing with the fuel.
Need to know more about what causes white smoke from a diesel engine? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about diesel repairs and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.
Excessive exhaust smoke from a diesel engine can be due to a number of reasons. There may be issues with black or gray smoke which may require some form of diesel repair, but in this article, we will deal with the issue of white smoke. White smoke is typically linked to contaminants mixing with fuel and air during the combustion process. If the white smoke is thin and fades away within a short period of time, it is probably caused by condensation. However, the thick white smoke that lasts could be an indication of a bigger problem and will require some kind of diesel repairs.
So what causes white smoke from a diesel engine? Here is a brief explanation of some of the more common causes:
- Burning coolant – Coolant can leak into the engine and burn, caused by a blown head gasket, a damaged cylinder head, or a cracked engine block.
- Unburnt fuel – There are several reasons fuel could be passing through the engine and reaching the exhaust without being burned; the engine is not hot enough to burn the fuel, slow compression in the cylinder, problems with the fuel injectors, a clogged air filter, burnt-out glow-plugs, or the use of low-quality fuel.
- Bad injectors – Contaminants like dust or rust particles will clog up the spray tip of the injectors and keep them from closing, creating an improper mix of diesel fuel and air during combustion.
- Clogged fuel filter – Contaminants start to build up around the filter and begin to restrict the flow of diesel fuel to the engine, resulting in an unbalanced mix of air and diesel inside the combustion chamber. This can also result in stalling, misfires, and loss of power.
- Transmission fluid leak – Transmission fluid leaks are typically caused by a damaged or faulty diaphragm valve of the vacuum modulators at the side of the transmission case, or by cracked transmission gaskets and seals (caused by long-term wear and overheating).
- Leaking valve seals or piston rings – Worn or damaged valve stem seals or piston rings allow oil to leak into the combustion chamber, mixing with the fuel.
Need to know more about what causes white smoke from a diesel engine? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about diesel repairs and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.
