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FAQ:
Black Smoke? White Smoke?
Diagnosing Engine Problems from Exhaust Smoke Color

Common Causes Of Vehicle Smoke
Courtesy of the Bay
Area Air Quality Management District Website
|
VISIBLE SIGN |
DIAGNOSIS |
POSSIBLE CAUSES |
| Black or Gray Smoke |
Incomplete fuel combustion |
- Engine too cold (no repair needed)
- Clogged air filter
- Carburetor, choke, fuel injection or emission system malfunction
- Ignition timing off
- Blocked manifold
|
| Blue Smoke
|
Engine oil being burned
|
- Oil leaking into combustion chamber
- Worn piston rings, valves or cylinders
|
| White Smoke |
Coolant and/or water being vaporized in combustion chamber
|
- Engine too cold (no repair needed)
- Head gasket leaking
- Cracked block or cylinder head
|
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