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'02 Sentra: Smoke From Engine & Exhaust
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quazvin
New User
Dec 28, 2008, 9:12 PM
Post #1 of 3
(3537 views)
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'02 Sentra: Smoke From Engine & Exhaust
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Hi,
I have had a problem with my 2002 Nissan Sentra for nearly a year. It has 60k miles and I've maintained it with regular maintenance and oil changes since I bought it in '05. The problem is white smoke coming from the engine and the exhaust. Recently it's gotten worse. I've researched this online ad nauseum and found different answers for different specific situations. My details are as follows: The smoke from the exhaust is very faint except for during acceleration it is more visible, but not extremely thick (can't see it from driving the car, but it's noticeable from behind); the smoke from the engine is coming from the opposite side from the belts, it's very localized, and a continuous plume can be seen as soon as the engine warms up. When pressing the accelerator, the engine smoke does become thicker, but still can be seen at all times. I always have normal engine temperature, maintain a normal oil level over time, have normal coolant levels, and all other fluid levels are normal. The exact source of the engine smoke is obstructed from view but appears to be coming from low on the front of the engine (don't know technical terms for the parts of the engine). It's difficult to properly self-diagnose this problem because most of the helpful answers online are conditional answers seemingly irrelevant to my situation. The only thing I've done (and I'm waiting to try anything else pending furhter investigation) is tighten the valve cover bolts (four of them needed 3 full turns). I'm skeptical about taking it to a mechanic because I don't really know any in my area and this seems like a situation that would be easliy taken advantage of. Any help you may be able to provide is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time,
Chris
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 28, 2008, 10:57 PM
Post #2 of 3
(3534 views)
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Re: '02 Sentra: Smoke From Engine & Exhaust
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White smoke is usually water/coolant when seen out of tailpipe if so.
With it underhood also, there might be some confusion as to whether it's reall coming out the exhaust or just seen from back while moving along. If coolant there should be evidence of coolant loss or trace evidence of a leak underhood.
Sometimes a leak can be so fine that it shoots like clear fishing line - perhaps towards something hot making steam and not much would be needed to make a show but you would be consuming some over time.
I suggest a cooling system pressure test and perhaps if left under artificial pressure for a good while if coolant leak it may show itself,
T
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dmac0923
Enthusiast
Jan 1, 2009, 5:25 AM
Post #3 of 3
(3527 views)
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Re: '02 Sentra: Smoke From Engine & Exhaust
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the 2002 sentra is notorious for the headgasket going...........as me how i know.......fortunately for me it was still under warranty so nissan replaced my motor since it wiped the bearings.
keep an eye on coolant loss.....also it shouldnt be long before you have hard starts and the P0300 check engine light code
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