GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Inspection

Action

DEFINITION: Excessive white smoke and/or coolant type odor coming from the exhaust pipe may indicate coolant in the combustion chamber. Low coolant levels, an inoperative cooling fan, or a faulty thermostat may lead to an "over temperature" condition which may cause engine component damage.

Preliminary Inspection

Verify that there are no external coolant leaks. Refer to Loss of Coolant.

Isolate Affected Cylinders

  1. Cylinder balance test with scan tool
  2. Cooling system pressurization
  3. Compression test

EGR System Inspection

  1. Inspect EGR valve and intake system for evidence of coolant leakage.
  2. Replace the EGR cooler if any problem is found.

Cylinder Head Gasket Leakage

Remove cylinder heads of the affected cylinder bank and inspect for damage.

Replace components as necessary.

Cylinder Head or Engine Block Damage

  1. Inspect the cylinder heads for cracks.
  2. Inspect the cylinder block for damage.
  3. Inspect the cylinder block to head mating surface for straightness.
  4. Replace components as necessary.