Car problems. Please help?

Question

I own a '93 Altima and have had a lot of trouble with it. I keep bringing it into shops and no one seems to be able to fix it. This is the problem. About four months ago it started to idle really hard and I began having difficulty getting out of first gear (I drive an automatic). Lately I've noticed that when this happens white smoke seems to be coming out of the exhaust. Over the summer I was having trouble with my radiator, had it fixed and had another problem with it about 2 months ago. Lately the coolant level in the radiator is low, but the overflow is fine. I've been researching this and all the only answer I can seem to find is I could possibly have a problem with the head gasket. I really don't know much about cars, but is there anything I might be able to check to see maybe see what the problem might be? Every time I bring my car into the shop it doesn't idle hard nor is there any trouble with the acceleration, or white smoke from the exhaust. It only seems to happen when I'm driving by myself.

Lab · Accepted Answer

White smoke from the pipe is a very good indicator the head gasket is leaking into the cylinder(s) This needs to be corrected pronto. Does your oil (from the dip-stick) look like cappuccino? If it does, replace the engine. If not, a head gasket repair from a good mechanic will work. Not cheep. Cylinder pressure tests will tell you almost nothing as coolant will actually seal up the cylinder and increase the readings. Looking at the spark plugs and seeing if any are cleaner than the others will tell you which cylinders are leaking.

Anonymous · Answer

Internal engine problems,  eventually the head gasket will blow out
Go to NAPA and get a "For Sale" sign, and start looking for another car

GRAESYOLHOUNDAWG · Answer

if your exhaust smells like engine coolant steam then it has a cracked head or blown head gasket

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Car problems. Please help?

3 Answers