Expert: Vern Bullock - 10/26/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hey Very,
After starting the car for about 5-10 min, I started to notice that there was a green liquid dripping from under the rad (Coolant). So as to prevent the car from overheating I turned the car off and as I did a few seconds afterward there was a backfire from the exhaust AND then I started to notice a little plumes of continuous smoke coming from the front of the radiator and on the right side of the engine (although this smoke looked more like evaporation from the heat) The peculiar part of this is that it doesn't seem that the coolant is dropping in level. I need some advice, any ideas?

ANSWER: Hi Tarek:
Have the radiator checked. You could have a hole in it or a bad thermostat or hose. Also check for white smoke (steam) coming from the exhaust. This would be a sign that anti-freeze is getting into the cylinders. The backfire is most likely excess unburned fuel getting to the engine after you shut it off. Make sure your carbs have oil in them so the carb pumps fuel properly.

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QUESTION: Thanks for the quick reply. Do I check for the white smoke after I turn the car off?

Answer
No. While it is running. On cold mornings you should get a little steam from the exhaust, which is caused by natural condensation from the warm exhaust and cold air. However, if you are getting a lot and it do not clear up once the car warms up, that means you have liquid getting into the cylinders, which can only be caused by a cracked block or cracked/warped heads or bad head gasket.