Volvo S40 2.0D se 2006 Losing coolant / white smoke

tincatinca · Post by **tincatinca** » 30 Jan 2010, 12:48

Recently purchased S40 2.0D SE (2006, 127,000km, 76,000 miles). Car is losing coolant. Also white smoke (sometimes) when idling. Brought back to garage. Pressure tested cooling system. No leak. Replaced cap on expansion bottle, refilled with coolant. Drove 300km today. Coolant has again dropped below minimum level. This morning temperature was -1C. Revved engine, plume of very thick white smoke from exhaust. Car drives well, but low coolant and white smoke is worrying. Any other S40 owner come across this.

Post by **billofdurham** » 30 Jan 2010, 15:14

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

Is this smoke or is it steam/condensation?

White smoke from a diesel engine will burn your eyes, making them water. It normally means that the fuel injected into the cylinder is not burning correctly.

Causes can include:
Engine/pump timing out.
Fuel starvation to the pump causing the pump's timing not to operate correctly.
Low engine compression.
Water/petrol in the fuel.

Excess steam/condensation together with coolant loss is an indication of a blown head gasket. Ask the garage to test the coolant for traces of exhaust.

Bill.

tincatinca · Post by **tincatinca** » 30 Jan 2010, 15:31

Many thanks for the reply, Bill.

This was definitely smoke. Engine had not reached working temperature so steam was unlikely. Had some yellow gunge on oil filler cap last week. Considered it might be condensation due to short journey and cold weather. No gunge after 300km trip today, so relieved at that. Starting motor also replaced last week.

Car has a three month engine and gearbox warranty, so I will contact garage again on Monday morning.

HHead · Post by **HHead** » 25 Feb 2010, 05:28

I had a similar condition with my last Ford (about 3months ago). It ended up being a cracked head. Check your oil for foam.

tincatinca · Post by **tincatinca** » 01 Mar 2010, 10:29

Hi All,

Car is back at garage. Changed pressure cap on expansion bottle. No joy. Still losing coolant. Changed expansion bottle and cap (new). No joy.
Began to look like head gasket. Head gasket in process of being replaced. Gasket blown on exhaust side. Some bolts to be replaced. Awaiting return of car.

Post by **billofdurham** » 01 Mar 2010, 12:47

Thank you for the update. Please keep us informed of the final outcome.

Bill.