Dune4Runner
New member
It goes away fairly quickly after warmed up. Google search shows it's likely antifreeze but wondering how to confirm this or any other ideas what it could be? Sign of something bad? or can it wait?
Sweet light white smoke cold start up
- Thread starter Dune4Runner
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Most likely head gasket issue.
Couple of ways to check, get a coolant system pressure check, or perform a valve leak down test.
But, most likely a head gasket is blown. Good luck.
Wedgy
New member
He really has every scenario and eventually nails it;
His engine swap is a current thread
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/252617-think-i-may-have-head-gasket-problem.html
Best of luck and post your results !
His engine swap is a current thread
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/252617-think-i-may-have-head-gasket-problem.html
Best of luck and post your results !
tvpierce
New member
A "sweet" smelling exhaust at start-up is normal as the ECU is in open-loop mode, thereby richening the mixure -- which is what makes it smell kind of sweet. Once the engine heats up, the ECU goes into closed-loop/normal operating mode. It's also normal for there to be a more visible exhaust before the engine reaches normal operating temperature -- then exhaust is reduced to almost invisible once the engine heats up.
Keep an eye on your coolant level. If you're not losing coolant, you're all set. If you are losing coolant, check for leaks. If there are none, you may have a head gasket issue.
My guess from your description: your engine is running as it should be.
Post back with what you find.
Keep an eye on your coolant level. If you're not losing coolant, you're all set. If you are losing coolant, check for leaks. If there are none, you may have a head gasket issue.
My guess from your description: your engine is running as it should be.
Post back with what you find.
thegipper
New member
I just went through this same scenario but I was very slowly loosing coolant and had a semi rough idle on start up.
Eventually I got a misfire code on #3 cylinder.
I tried one of those dye test kits numerous times, it passed every single time. I also tried a cooling system pressure tester which also came back fine.
Finally I did a leak down test and confirmed I had a blown head gasket on #3. 216k miles on that motor. When I pressurized that cylinder, bubbles started blowing out of the top of the radiator.
Leak down test is the best and most accurate way to know 100% whether you have a blown HG or not.
Good luck
Eventually I got a misfire code on #3 cylinder.
I tried one of those dye test kits numerous times, it passed every single time. I also tried a cooling system pressure tester which also came back fine.
Finally I did a leak down test and confirmed I had a blown head gasket on #3. 216k miles on that motor. When I pressurized that cylinder, bubbles started blowing out of the top of the radiator.
Leak down test is the best and most accurate way to know 100% whether you have a blown HG or not.
Good luck
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Mine does the same thing at start-up, well it did before my cat started to fail. Sweet smell for first couple of minutes and then perfectly fine after that. No coolant loss whatsoever, it's completely normal.
nc-grayson
Member
this makes me happy
Dune4Runner
New member
Great, hope thats what Im dealing with. Ive only had the truck for a couple months so still figuring out what is normal and whats not. Thanks
customgrow420
New member
I’m having a similar issue with my 150,000mi 2000 SR5 2wd. On cold start, it will smell like regular rich exhaust. After a minute it smells sweet like coolant, but there’s no white smoke.
I replaced my old radiator after it sprayed coolant 3 minutes after start up, but it did not overheat at all. There was green coolant in the system, so I flushed with Toyota red coolant. I’ve flushed it again with distilled water, and I noticed foam in the top of the funnel. After bleeding for 25 minutes, a bubble would come up after blipping the throttle.
There’s no coolant in the oil and the smell goes away after a minute. I’m getting it compression tested since I assume the head gasket is failing. Is there anything else I should check before?
I replaced my old radiator after it sprayed coolant 3 minutes after start up, but it did not overheat at all. There was green coolant in the system, so I flushed with Toyota red coolant. I’ve flushed it again with distilled water, and I noticed foam in the top of the funnel. After bleeding for 25 minutes, a bubble would come up after blipping the throttle.
There’s no coolant in the oil and the smell goes away after a minute. I’m getting it compression tested since I assume the head gasket is failing. Is there anything else I should check before?
phattyduck
Elite Member
Your nose is more sensitive than your eyes... if you smell coolant and see bubbles, you have your answer. A borescope may tell you ahead of time what cylinder(s) has a problem.
This seems to be more likely on engines that didn't have fairly regular coolant maintenance (same with pink milkshake issues).
-Charlie
customgrow420
New member
Just trying to convince myself it’s not a head gasket. I appreciate the reply.
shadow247
New member
Good luck is all I can say.
If it is confirmed to be a bad head gasket, and you can do the job yourself, just get a remanufactured head from Yota1 or International Cylinder Head. The head gasket leak often leads to a cracked head, at least almost everyone one I have seen.
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