Do you know what’s causing blue smoke from your car exhaust? If not, don’t worry! Here, I will discuss the cause of blue smoke from exhaust and its solution. Blue smoke is a common issue that many drivers face. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including engine problems, oil leaks, and worn out parts. In most cases, the problem can be fixed by repairing or replacing the faulty component. So, if you’re experiencing blue smoke from your car exhaust, don’t panic! I will help you figure out what’s wrong and how to fix it.
Cause Of Blue Smoke From Exhaust: Detailed Discussion
Blue exhaust fumes indicate that the oil has combined with your gasoline during the combustion process, and is now being burned up and expelled through the exhaust pipe.
When your car isn’t working as efficiently as normal, it’s time to explore the problem. In most cases, an oil leak is due to a gasket that needs to be fixed. Don’t worry though, you still have some time before it becomes a big issue.
If the blue smoke is coming from oil mixing with your gas in the combustion chamber, then you have a more serious problem. Now I will discuss the common cause of blue smoke from exhaust:
Oil is Leaking:
If oil seeps from the gasket between your engine block and head, it will drip onto HOT exhaust parts of your drivetrain and create blue smoke. Not to mention, the smell will be incredibly potent. As you are accelerating or idling, you might see some blue smoke coming from the back of your car.
I recall a standard scenario when examining a 2002 Mitsubishi Montero. The owner said that the head gasket had been replaced, but after taking it for a short drive, you could immediately smell the oil burning and seeping from that exact same gasket she claimed was fixed.
The head gasket’s primary purpose is to keep oil from seeping through the gaps between the cylinder head and engine block. When a car’s head gasket is bad, it generally means that the cylinder head needs to be replaced due to warping from overheating.
Oil Drips On Hot Engine Parts:
Here’s another possibility, your head gasket or valve cover gasket becomes damaged, and as a result, your engine starts to leak oil. The oil will fall onto other hot elements in your engine bay (such as your headers) before evaporating and causing a cloud of blue smoke.
Idling vehicles typically produce smoke that lingers near the front of the car before making its way to the back as you drive. If you notice an unusual smell, make sure to get your vehicle checked out by a professional; it could be indicative of a bigger problem.
Oil and Fuel are Mixing:
The valve seals, piston rings, and PCV valves in your car will not last forever. If you run your vehicle for 10,000 miles before changing the oil again, due to less efficient friction reduction in your motor, the oil will have a tougher time doing its job. More heat in the engine causes the gaskets to overheat and dry out, which then leads to them cracking.
If your valve seals are dry and cracked, they will not perform their function of keeping fluids separate. This may cause fuel and oil to mix, and the by-product of this mixture will be burned in the combustion chamber.
This means that, while you would normally only see gray smoke coming out of the tailpipe, you will now see some blue smoke as well. If the piston rings are worn out, this will require the replacement of your engine.
If the blue smoke has only begun appearing recently and after an oil change, then you likely put too much oil in. Too much oil will make the lubricant froth and reduces its effectiveness with heat. Just get rid of the excess by draining it out before refilling.
Faulty Glow Plugs:
If you see blue or black smoke coming from your diesel car when you turn it on, that means your glow plugs are bad. Your car won’t be able to start like normal then, and it might take a longer time than usual to crank the engine.
To test if the problem is with your glow plugs, connect a 12 volt test light to your positive battery terminal. Then touch the end of the wire to each of your glow plugs one by one. If you see a reading on the test light, then you know that particular plug is working properly.
Depending on whether you complete the task yourself or hire a professional, replacing these could cost between $100-$500. Therefore, make sure they are bad before signing up for that chunk of change.
Turbocharger Issues:
A failed or blown turbocharger will cause blue smoke to billow from your tailpipe. You’ll know this is the problem if you have a significant loss of power while driving and hear a loud whistling noise coming from under the hood.
If you are someone who likes to tinker with their car, you might be able to replace the turbocharger yourself for around $1000. Otherwise, you’re looking at a bill of $2000 or more to have it done professionally.
Leaking Turbocharger:
A leaking turbocharger will also cause blue smoke as oil leaks onto hot engine parts and begins to burn. If this is the problem, you’ll likely hear a whining noise coming from the engine as well.
You can try to fix this problem by tightening the bolts that hold the turbocharger in place. However, if this does not work, you’ll need to replace the turbocharger, which could cost between $1000-$2000.
Fixing Blue Smoke From Exhaust Issues:
Now that I have gone over some of the potential causes of blue smoke, it’s time to talk about how you can fix the problem. Depending on the severity of the issue, you might be able to take care of it yourself or might need to visit a mechanic.
If you’re someone who likes to work on their car, then you might be able to take care of some of these issues yourself. However, if you’re not comfortable working on your car, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Replace Damaged Piston Rings:
If your piston rings are damaged, you’ll need to replace them. This is a fairly difficult process that requires the removal of your engine, so unless you’re confident in your abilities, I would recommend taking it to a mechanic.
Replace Head Gasket or Valve Cover Gasket:
If your head gasket or valve cover gasket is damaged, you’ll need to replace it. This is a difficult process that requires the removal of your engine, so unless you’re confident in your abilities, I would recommend taking it to a mechanic.
Replace Turbocharger:
If your turbocharger is damaged, you’ll need to replace it. This is a difficult process that requires the removal of your engine, so unless you’re confident in your abilities, I would recommend taking it to a mechanic.
Replace Glow Plugs:
If your glow plugs are damaged, you’ll need to replace them. This is a fairly easy process that you should be able to do yourself if you’re comfortable working on your car.
FAQs:
Q: Does blue smoke always mean there’s a problem?
A: No, blue smoke does not always mean there’s a problem. It can sometimes be seen when starting a cold engine and is nothing to worry about. However, if you see blue smoke while driving or when the engine is hot, that means there is an issue that needs to be addressed.
Q: Is blue smoke dangerous?
A: No, blue smoke is not dangerous. However, it is a sign that there is a problem with your car that needs to be fixed. Ignoring the problem could lead to further damage and expensive repairs.
Q: How much does it cost to fix blue smoke?
A: The cost to fix blue smoke will vary depending on the cause. Some issues, like replacing damaged piston rings, can be fixed for around $100-$200. However, other issues, like replacing a blown turbocharger, can cost upwards of $2000.
Q: Can I drive my car if it’s smoking blue?
A: Yes, you can drive your car if it’s smoking blue. However, you should get the problem fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Q: Does blue smoke mean my car is burning oil?
A: Yes, blue smoke usually means that your car is burning oil. This can be caused by a variety of issues, like damaged piston rings or a blown head gasket.
Q: What should I do if my car is smoking blue?
A: If your car is smoking blue, you should take it to a mechanic and have them diagnose the problem. Once they know what’s causing the smoke, they’ll be able to advise you on the best course of action.
Conclusion:
Blue smoke from your car’s exhaust is usually a sign of a problem. The most common cause is burning oil, which can be caused by damaged piston rings or a blown head gasket. Ignoring the problem could lead to further damage and expensive repairs, so it’s best to get it checked out as soon as possible.
If you have any further questions about the Cause Of Blue Smoke From Exhaust or need help diagnosing the problem, feel free to contact a mechanic. They’ll be able to help you get to the bottom of the issue and advise you on the best course of action.