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Subaru Forester white smoke at start up
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Matt2324
New User
Mar 23, 2024, 6:22 AM
Post #1 of 8
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Subaru Forester white smoke at start up
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I own a 2010 Subaru Forester X Premium. About a month ago, I had to replace my engine due to a blown head gasket that caused a coolant leak, although there were no smoke symptoms. I got quotes from my trusted mechanic and the dealership, ranging from $5000 to $6000 to replace the engine. Opting for a cheaper option, I went with a family-recommended mechanic who replaced my 120k engine with a 150k one for $2500.
However, two days after the engine replacement, I noticed white, thick smoke with a blue tint coming out of the exhaust during the first start-up.
See video ( note: recorded during windy condition) : https://youtube.com/shorts/k5eksVMRnZA?si=CZCMz-tVbQWj4-pN
I checked the oil level and coolant over the following two weeks, but I didn't see any change in levels. I took the car back to the mechanic and left it overnight for him to check it the next morning and witness the thick smoke at start-up. He said he checked the engine and found no oil or coolant leaks. He mentioned that the exhaust pipe has a hole in it, but that this is not an engine issue. After fixing a few holes in the exhaust pipe, the smoke is still coming, and the mechanic clearly refuses to acknowledge that something could be wrong with the engine components.
At this point, I have no trust in this mechanic and need to start troubleshooting the car myself, as I have already spent too much money on mechanic labor fees. As far as I know, this is not condensation smoke because the smoke is thick and dissipates slowly. It's white and has a slight blue tint. I would appreciate any recommendations on where to start troubleshooting. Thanks in advance.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 23, 2024, 8:17 AM
Post #2 of 8
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Re: Subaru Forester white smoke at start up
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You are correct. This is oil smoke and indicates a serious engine defect.
This guy sold you a junk engine. Did they tell you how many miles were on this engine?
There are no good $150 engines these days.
edit, I misread your question. You didn't pay $150 for it. It's still a junk engine though and he should be responsible for replacing it.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Mar 23, 2024, 8:18 AM)
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Matt2324
New User
Mar 23, 2024, 8:33 AM
Post #3 of 8
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Re: Subaru Forester white smoke at start up
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I bought the engine $2500 with $150000 miles in it
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Mar 23, 2024, 8:36 AM
Post #4 of 8
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Re: Subaru Forester white smoke at start up
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Then whomever sold you the engine owes you a replacement and you'll have to pay the labor to change it again.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Mar 23, 2024, 8:36 AM)
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Matt2324
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Mar 23, 2024, 8:53 AM
Post #5 of 8
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Re: Subaru Forester white smoke at start up
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Thanks again for you help and I agree with you. Is there any easy troubleshooting I can do to confirm that the engine is bad ?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Mar 23, 2024, 8:57 AM
Post #6 of 8
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Re: Subaru Forester white smoke at start up
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Blue smoke out the tailpipe is terminal, regardless of the actual cause.
My best guess is the oil is leaking into the cylinder past the valve guides when it only happens at startup or long idling.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Matt2324
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Mar 23, 2024, 9:49 AM
Post #7 of 8
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Re: Subaru Forester white smoke at start up
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I saw a video on YouTube saying that an additive in engine oil can fix valves issues on old engine. I think it's called Block leak engine repair. Im wondering if using that type of quick fix would cause more harm than good.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Mar 23, 2024, 9:54 AM
Post #8 of 8
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Re: Subaru Forester white smoke at start up
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No, there is no such thing as "Mechanic in a can"
You can't fix worn parts with an additive and be careful what you do here. Don't give him an excuse to deny your claim.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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