what could be the Problem with white smoke?

[newworld2004]

Hi, all

what could be the problem if" It is slowly leaking coolant and the check engine light is on. The radiator and coolant system has been replaced less than 100 miles ago. The temp gauge on the dash reads hot even though the temp is normal. The truck still runs fine as long as coolant is added and maintained. IT BLOWS WHITE SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST WHEN FIRST STARTED THEN IT STOPS AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES. " this is description from salers, how serious is this problem ? does it worth buy it? it is 2002 XLS, asking price is 3500$.

thx

 

[dblosch]

I could use an answer to this, too. But I already own the vehicle and it's a Chevy!

Dan

 

[JKDetonator]

Sounds as if its a blown head gasket or cracked block.

 

[off-roader]

I concur with the head gasket.

 

[newworld2004]

I concur with the head gasket.

Thx, All
I don't think I am going to mess with this one.

 

[Sabre]

White smoke often makes us think of coolant, but it's also a hallmark of leaking valve guide seals.

 

[off-roader]

White smoke often makes us think of coolant, but it's also a hallmark of leaking valve guide seals.

Valve Guide Seals / Oil burning is more grey but you can also tell which is coming out by it's smell.

 

[Toyotero]

Ditto on the white being water vapor .

A failed headgasket or a cracked block is letting coolant into the cylinder, which is then heated to steam when the fuel/air combust, then it is blown out the exhaust pipe and the steam condenses in the air after cooling off a little (much like water vapor making a cloud).

I'd pass on buying this one unless the price accounts for possibly needing to replace the engine, which it doesn't sound like it.

 

[newworld2004]

Ditto on the white being water vapor .

A failed headgasket or a cracked block is letting coolant into the cylinder, which is then heated to steam when the fuel/air combust, then it is blown out the exhaust pipe and the steam condenses in the air after cooling off a little (much like water vapor making a cloud).

I'd pass on buying this one unless the price accounts for possibly needing to replace the engine, which it doesn't sound like it.

Thank you sir, I will pass on this as saler will not coming down his asking price. so I have to look some where else, here in North VA, is really hard to find one in decent condition with right price. I saw another one on CL, for 2001 limited with 180K millege won't go lower that 3500$.