For 1990-2009 cars

Cause | Correction
--- | ---
DEFINITION: Excessive white smoke and/or coolant type odor coming from the exhaust pipe may indicate coolant in the combustion chamber. Low coolant levels, an inoperative cooling fan, or a faulty thermostat may lead to an overtemperature condition which may cause engine component damage.

1. A slower than normal cranking speed may indicate coolant entering the combustion chamber. Refer to Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate.
2. Remove the spark plugs and inspect for spark plugs saturated by coolant or coolant in the cylinder bore.
3. Inspect by performing a cylinder leak-down test. During this test, excessive air bubbles within the coolant may indicate a faulty gasket or damaged component.
4. Inspect by performing a cylinder compression test. 2 cylinders side-by-side on the engine block, with low compression, may indicate a failed cylinder head gasket. Refer to Engine Compression Test.

Faulty cylinder head gasket | Replace the head gasket and components as required. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection and LINK.
Warped cylinder head | Replace the cylinder head and gasket. Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection.
Cracked cylinder head | Replace the cylinder head and gasket.
Cracked cylinder liner | Replace the components as required.
Cylinder head or block porosity | Replace the components as required.