Suzuki Alto White Smoke

[XxRebellionxX]

Hey guys,

I have a PKDM 2005 Suzuki Alto, couple of weeks ago it started reducing oil, and the oil light flashed. Instead of going to a mechanic, I bought 3L of Zic A 10W-40 and poured it. Its been approx 1K km since then and the level is between the two dots, which means the half the oil has been reduced. Now, yesterday I started the car and thick white smoke came from the car, but it eventually vanished as I started to drive. I closed the car and restarted it after a couple KMs, and there was still no smoke.

My car recently had its head replaced due to faulty gasket ruining it. A quick search on google lead me that its nothing serious, but some searches indicated that the car's engine needs to be overhauled or such. I really don't want to overhaul it, as it hasn't even crossed 100,000KMs yet. Is there any solution or so? I need expert advices.

 

[AdamenTaha]

White smoke means that your rings need replacement, but even that is done after the crankshaft reaches a certain condition, still the first thing is if the smoke is continuously exerted by your car.

 

[XxRebellionxX]

White smoke means that your rings need replacement, but even that is done after the crankshaft reaches a certain condition, still the first thing is if the smoke is continuously exerted by your car.

The smoke is occasional. I mean when I start in the morning, its continuous for a while but then it stops. Also after topping up the oil a little over a week ago, the oil level has remained the same. BTW does the crankshaft also needs replacement?

 

[smaaz]

no it might just be a choked carburetor, get it checked other then that white smoke is an indication of dying engine. This wont be solved on this forum .. get is checked from a good mechanic.

 

[AdamenTaha]

[MENTION=9842]smaaz[/MENTION] is right, get it checked by a good mechanic. If the smokes occasional, then its not the time for the rings, but still make a go for the mechanic.

 

[abobobilly]

White smoke, even when its occasional, is always due to bad Piston Rings. That doesn't mean "engine is dying".

Usually when this problem is in its early phase, bluish-white smoke may not be visible at all times but only when:
- You start your ride on a cold engine
- engine heats up to its optimal level

And if piston rings are already replaced once before, then this problem can happen again ... but thats mostly because of inexperienced mechanic who may not seal the engine properly ... but may also happen because of cheap quality rings. If thats the case, then check the Spark Plugs. The area around the tip i.e. Its thread ... should have engine oil on it. And it the problem is slightly worse, then the tip may also be oily ... which would explain the Piston Rings going kaput again ... hence engine oil coming inside the combustion chamber.

 

[XxRebellionxX]

White smoke, even when its occasional, is always due to bad Piston Rings. That doesn't mean "engine is dying".

Usually when this problem is in its early phase, bluish-white smoke may not be visible at all times but only when:
- You start your ride on a cold engine
- engine heats up to its optimal level

And if piston rings are already replaced once before, then this problem can happen again ... but thats mostly because of inexperienced mechanic who may not seal the engine properly ... but may also happen because of cheap quality rings. If thats the case, then check the Spark Plugs. The area around the tip i.e. Its thread ... should have engine oil on it. And it the problem is slightly worse, then the tip may also be oily ... which would explain the Piston Rings going kaput again ... hence engine oil coming inside the combustion chamber.

On cold start, yes, there is considerable white smoke, but I haven't noticed any when engine reaches its optimal temp. Anyways, I took it to a mechanic, he didn't open the engine, and on observation alone told me that either the Rings have gone. I suppose he is right. He told me to overhaul the entire engine, his theory was that once repaired, the rings might cause problems again in a few months, but I didn't buy that. The engine has never been worked on before, except when its gasket had problems. So should I go for Piston Rings repairs only, or should I overhaul the entire engine (which I really don't want to).

BTW engine performance is still very good, I mean I haven't noticed any weakness.

 

[abobobilly]

[MENTION=22273]XxRebellionxX[/MENTION]! Kindly open the Spark Plugs yourself, if you can ... and post a picture here. Just for the sake of it

Also, you won't feel any performance difference because in such cases, you never do ... unless we are talking about the final stages.

Anyway ... by engine overhaul, he didn't exactly mean the entire engine. Basically the followings things are changed/replaced with brand new:
- Pistons & Piston Rings
- Valves & Push Rods
Thats it. Other things includes either Engine Seals etc.

I learned my lesson the hard way. I also thought that if Piston Rings needs to be changed, then change only that. So i also discarded my Mechanic's suggestion to replace the Piston as well. And i paid the price the same way you are paying it. (I am sure you understand why this happens. Metal makes its way once its wears down to optimal level. Not changing the Piston, leaves wee bit space for the oil to reach combustion chamber. The reason it goes away when engine becomes hot, is "metal expands" ... and when it does ... it closes that space from where oil is passing through)

So yes ... If you get the work done again ... Change the Pistons as well, along with the Piston Rings. Valves etc will have to be changed anyway.

However, i'd advise keep running it as it is. There is no harm ... unless the smoke becomes "usual" (like happening on every start up) ... and also starts happening when engine heats up. THAT would be the time to get the work done.

 

[XxRebellionxX]

[MENTION=8060]abobobilly[/MENTION]
Well for now the smoke is only on cold starts, and is pretty much gone after the engine heats up to its optimal level. I would open the spark plugs but I'm too afraid too, plus I don't even know how.

I'll take your suggestion is mind, and get the proper work done. BTW is there any harm in running the air-con? My uncle tells me it will kill the engine faster if I run it with the work still remaining. Ofcourse I don't believe him, but just for the sake of it, I'm asking. Also, it might not be related but yesterday I was driving the car and when I switched the air-con on the lights in the instrument cluster suddenly dimmed, and returned to normal when I switched it off. It didn't happen after that. Note that the car ran fine, just the lights dimmed a bit. I reckon its a battery problem?

 

[ryu696]

Do as abobo advised or ur car will end up with a mechanic in a few months again.Ur lucky coz at least u have the option to repair your engine and u can get parts for it i have to buy the whole damn thing again as there r no parts available for what im using. Good luck

 

[Shining Wizard]

Is there water in your oil after a drive which looks like coffe-milk and carmel blended if yes then you have blown head gasket or piston rings before you spend any money on expensive items make sure your hoses are intact

 

[djkido316]

That is common for Alto in Winter season.. My Alto too throws white smoke whenever its a COLD-START. so unless you see white smoke in Heated up car. You're on the safe side!