Can someone please help me with this problem?
Asked by cbdds40 Aug 09, 2024 at 01:36 PM about the 2001 Mercury Sable GS Sedan FWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
My car has been parked for about 8 years. It cranked up great but was having
white smoke that smelled of coolant. It was running great when it was parked.
There is no smoke coming from the exhaust. It is coming from the passenger
side and by the radiator. No warning lights are on the dash. Did not run hot.
Please help me..
4 Answers
Probably a water pump, sitting that long it can also have hoses, belts, gaskets all leaking. Beatupchevy is right it really not worth fixing at today’s shop prices.
Coolant leaking onto the hot exhaust manifold from a deteriorated coolant hose or critters chewed on the hose at some point and now it's leaking. Could also be the radiator itself has sprung a leak and is spraying on the hot exhaust manifold. Eight years is a long time for a vehicle to sit. A lot can happen. Especially if it was stored outside. The fact that it's running is a huge accomplishment! Now go over the cooling system, brakes, tires, and belts. The tires will almost definitely have to be replaced. Make sure you don't let the engine overheat, even once! If I remember correctly these vehicles had aluminum heads and overheating them once will cause the head to warp. Jim
