White Smoke Pls HELP!

[scarface305]

Hello TN!! How are you doing? Well I am having a problem with my car (97 Toyota Camry LE i4 engine) and not sure what to do. I am having ALOT of white smoke coming out from the tail pipe when i start driving the car, then it will shake, then turn off. Not sure what it might be but, i think it maybe a blown head gasket. Not sure how to fix it or if that is it, so i decide to turn to TN community to help me out. I need to decide if i should change the whole engine or fix the gasket. I say change the whole engine because my mechanic says that their is also a gasket leaking oil so he would have to take apart the engine. Price for Head gasket is at $650. Please let me know what you would do and/or how to fix it. Also if you know where to buy an engine please let me know. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND HELP.

>
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2428163 You can see my camry here on cardomain. Need to get car fix to get to work so I am trying to fix it as fast as possible.

[Kep]

Are you loosing coolant?

Does your oil appear milky?

If so, it is probably a blown head gasket.

It sounds kind of extreme. If you have decided to replace the gasket ($650 isn't bad) or replace the engine you might first want to try an additive (since you've given up on the engine as it is). Since the car stalls out, I don't know if you'll be able to get it to work or not. Wal-Mart sells CARGO (about $5) and you can get STEEL SEAL (much more expensive, $30, but supposedly works better) on line. One of the factors for success is the size of the hole. If it is too big they won't be able to fill it. Read their directions and see if you're willing to work with it.

Luck,
Kep

[toyomoho]

The mechanic may think the smoke is water vapor from a blown head gasket. The next time the engine smokes take a smell, if it water vapor it will smell like it. If a lot of water vapor, there is nothing you can do outside of a new gasket.

Still might also be oil or gasoline fumes, if so it will smell like oil or gasoline.

Has the coolant overflow tank been loosing coolant (because it is going out the tell pipe as water vapor)? Engine overheating, lack of power. How does the engine oil look, any signs of water in the oil (oil would start to turn into a brownish milkshake color).

What gasket does the mechanic state is leaking oil and requires removing the engine to do so. How much does the mechanic want for this work?

A few decisions on replace or repairing the engine are how many miles on this engine and in general what shape is it in? The engine could have more extensive issues then just a head gasket such as a cracked head or block. Both can cause water vapor to came out the tell pipe and will add to the cost. The mechanic should be able to determine either of these by taking the head off and before spending a lot of money.

Suggest getting a cost to do all of the work including the gasket.

Might do a TN search on replacement engines. More then one member has asked about replacement, rebuild, used engine because theirs has been damaged beyond repair. The engine you have is a 5S-FE.

[scarface305]

Well first off thank you for the replies Kep and toyomoho. Your both right on the money with what is happening to the car. Kep to answer the two questions that is a "yes" to both. I notice coolant overflow tank been loosing coolant like toyomoho said and that is when I place more and notice that went away. Like both of you said the oil does in fact look a little milky. Toyomoho you point out one thing i failed to mention is that the motor has 195,050 miles on it. Kep I guess I will go try the wal-mart product like you said since the engine is not that good anymore. Then try what toyomoho said about the TN search of an engine here. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP I WILL POST THE OUTCOME OF IT. ANY MORE ADVICE PLEASE POST HERE. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME.

[toyomoho]

Water in the oil is bad and can damage the bearings. If your planning to run the engine until you can replace the engine the oil needs to be changed much more often.

At this high mileage and given the seal issue the best approach would be a used engine, which is the cheapest route or possibly a rebuilt one. If you trust your mechanic have them find one they can offer a warranty on after installed.

[scarface305]

Thanks!! I am going to just get another engine for $1,200. to get done with it.