QuestionQUESTION: Hi I just had to replace my water pump, they said my head
gasket is blown, exhaust is causing extra compression,
caused the other 1 1/2 year old water pump to leak.There is some white smoke coming out the exhaust, it isn't overheating, it starts up, runs well.Do you think I need to replace head gasket and how much should that cost? Car-1972 BMW model 2002, not tii. Thanks you so very much. Phoenix
ANSWER: If its not overheating, or boiling over, no water in the oil,(white emusification)and no oil in the water then dont touch the head gasket.
all cars have a little white smoke, as apposed to lots of steam from the exhaust.
The water pump may have been a cheap aftermarket 1, and just failed.
Drive it and if it is the head gasket it will get worse quickly.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Thanks so much for your answer and information, very helpful. Although it is not overheating because I am babying it, I Am having to add approx. 1 2/3 cups of
coolant every evening after it's cool, before the new water pump, I was adding approx. 1 cup of coolant per day
and thought that would stop after the new pump, clearly it
didn't. It runs well, however, has a more difficult start. I'm still not seeing alot of smoke OR seeing any water in the oil, Or any oil floating in the radiator. Where is all this coolant I am pouring in going? Is this dangerous to the motor? I thank you and anxiously wait for your response. How very kind of you to offer your help, it's soooooo appreciated. We woman can and do get taken advantage of.
AnswerOk lets look at the original question.Bearing in mind that the MAJORITY of garage's are legitimate hard working honest people.
He/she said "exhaust is causing extra compression".
Did they mean the the exhaust gases were causing excess pressure in the cooling system.? That would explain the coolant loss. It would be coming out of the radiator overflow blowing past the radiator cap.
Do you trust them? Ask them to clarify there diagnosis of the problem,ask them to pressure test the cooling system AND CAP. Could be leaking somewhere else. If its leaking into the combustion chamber(where the spark plugs are) it will burn the water with the fuel and you wont see it while driving.
Also the thermostats on those are a problem to bleed properly.
when warm all 3 hoses attached to the thermostat must be approximately the same temperature.
Ask them to clarify and get back to me.
Worst case scenario and it needs a head gasket, 4 hours labor max to replace it. You can supply the parts and save a fortune, if they dont agree ,find someone else!
Tony
