2G Phantom Coolant leak?

[guerreroandrew4688]

I’m not sure if it’s the head gasket or not but i seen on another thread on here about a “phantom coolant leak” and i have the same issue. Where the coolant keeps draining but it’s not overheating or nothing. It has white or gray smoke coming out the exhaust. My next step is if it’s something major i will take it to a shop. But if it’s something i can do myself i’ll do it.

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[pauleyman]

If you have smoke like that constantly I would say you are burning coolant. You will have to eliminate each possible source. Run a compression and leakdown test and check the turbo. You could eliminate the coolant going to the turbo and see if it stops. That would eliminate that possibility. Just because you aren't overheating etc does not mean it isn't a head gasket or something associated with that area. You will have to test to be sure.

 

[August578]

At autozone they have a coolant tester that tests exhausts fumes in the cooling system. Its another easy way to test for a leaking headgasket.

You can rent it or pick one up from harbor freight.

https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-and-specialty-tools/block-tester-kit/p/oemtools-engine-combustion-leak-detector/391378_0_0?cmpid=LIA:US:EN:AD:NL:1000000:TLS:8367255572&gbraid=0AAAAADkcoVszWrGkuIFNI8exn-stftwKq&gbraid=0AAAAADkcoVszWrGkuIFNI8exn-stftwKq&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2MWVBhCQARIsAIjbwoN2L1mLXcYdNXAs45C2_w8qgphIEdZfUUQDOOxuk1GvhWbG97e8Pn0aAuL8EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[luv2rallye]

Also doing a coolant system pressure test will find leaking hoses, connections, water pump gasket, etc (ie. everything other than a head gasket).

 

[pauleyman]

At autozone they have a coolant tester that tests exhausts fumes in the cooling system. Its another easy way to test for a leaking headgasket.

You can rent it or pick one up from harbor freight.

https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-and-specialty-tools/block-tester-kit/p/oemtools-engine-combustion-leak-detector/391378_0_0?cmpid=LIA:US:EN:AD:NL:1000000:TLS:8367255572&gbraid=0AAAAADkcoVszWrGkuIFNI8exn-stftwKq&gbraid=0AAAAADkcoVszWrGkuIFNI8exn-stftwKq&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2MWVBhCQARIsAIjbwoN2L1mLXcYdNXAs45C2_w8qgphIEdZfUUQDOOxuk1GvhWbG97e8Pn0aAuL8EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Burning coolant isn't necessarily a headgasket. On our cars we can burn up coolant in a turbo also.

 

[guerreroandrew4688]

I started it up and man the engine sounded so weak like it wanted to die out. That being said it was hard to do the compression test. Whenever i start the car the whole area around me has white smoke. I think my best bet is taking it to a local shop and have them take a look at it as i don’t have much time.

 

[10's or bust]

I started it up and man the engine sounded so weak like it wanted to die out. That being said it was hard to do the compression test. Whenever i start the car the whole area around me has white smoke. I think my best bet is taking it to a local shop and have them take a look at it as i don’t have much time.

As this is also another indication of a leaking head gasket. Do this pull the spark plugs out and look for a tan or orange colored electrode on the spark plugs. This is the easiest and most accurate way to identify a leaking head gasket in our cars. Look for this notice the orange on the second plug.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

@10's or bust , your picture, that I assume you were going to insert, isn't in your reply but would be a good one to reference!
Just letting you know.