Up In Smoke

"Vimto" (smudgey) 04/21/2016 at 09:23 • Filed to: None

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Hey guys,

So a coworker of mine’s sister bought a 2008 MINI Cooper two days ago. I don’t know if its an S or not, haven’t even seen the car, but apparently when she tried to start it up yesterday - in 70 degree weather - white smoke started billowing out. She left it running for an hour and it continued to smoke, albeit not nearly as heavily. Half way into a 2 hour drive, it started belching huge plumes of white smoke again.

My coworker asked me what the most likely cause of this is, because the dealer is telling her its carbon buildup. Personally that sounds like a head gasket to me. Any thoughts, everyone?

crowmolly > Vimto 04/21/2016 at 09:27

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1.) Has the car sat for a long time?

2.) What does the temp gauge look like? Was it high in the range?

3.) What does the oil look like? Milky?

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Vimto 04/21/2016 at 09:33

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Turbo went kaput?

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Vimto 04/21/2016 at 09:34

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Sounds head-gasket-y to me.

The big question is, why would she run/drive it with smoke billowing out while risking possible damage without knowing the cause? 0_o

Berang > Vimto 04/21/2016 at 09:35

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I’d go with it being a coolant leak.

Nibby > Vimto 04/21/2016 at 09:39

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That Mini is doing a fine Subaru impression.

jariten1781 > Vimto 04/21/2016 at 09:43

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If it’s billowing white clouds she ought to check the coolant level...carbon buildup tends to cause misfires/limp mode way before it'll cause smoke.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > Vimto 04/21/2016 at 09:44

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Check for peanut butter under the oil cap. When oil and coolant mix, you generally get this brown sludge that sticks to everything. It’s a sure sign of a head gasket failure.

Levitas > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 04/21/2016 at 09:48

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I’d second this, if it’s an S most likely the turbo is blown.

Ash78, voting early and often > Vimto 04/21/2016 at 09:51

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Spy Hunter package. Tell her to listen to the radio for Mancini on every station, and check to see if the car leaves puddles of oil on the ground.

Nick Has an Exocet > Vimto 04/21/2016 at 12:11

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If it smells sweet, it’s coolant. If it’s coolant, it’s likely a head gasket leak.