Q: Oil steam exhaust pipe

asked by on September 28, 2016

Sometimes when I start my car it blows oil out of the exhaust pipe. Not all of the time though. And sometimes it’s steam, and I'm losing water, too. I have to put water in the radiator all of the time to keep it full. These 2 problems happen at startup only. It runs like a Pro once the cylinder has burned out the oil or water. I thought the only way for water to get into a cylinder is a blown head gasket or cracked block. And that the only way oil can get in is through the rings or valves seats. I started my car yesterday, and I didn't have any burn off. Then I drove 5 miles to the post office. When I started it up 15 minutes later it overflowed the post office parking lot with steam. Do you know what’s wrong with my car and how I can fix it? Thanks.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Possible alternator replacement.
The alternator should not cause the vehicle to not turn over unless it is not recharging the battery. The battery or starter are the most common reason for a vehicle that will not turn over. I recommend you have the...
EVAP leak needs repairing.
Hi there, the code is a common one. The test procedure involves physically inspecting the canister for fuel. (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/evaporative-emission-control-canister-replacement) The canister should only house fuel vapors not fuel. If no fuel is present then the purge valve needs to be...
Whistling noise when press in on clutch
Hey there. It sounds like the noise comes around when you are using the clutch which sounds to me like you may have an issue with your throwout bearing. The part on the vehicle may have been faulty and failed...
Whistling noise from front passenger side wheel - 2010 Scion tC
Hello. This noise is sometimes made by the "wear tab" on brake pads. This is a small metal clip that touches the brake rotor when the brake pad has a small amount of brake material left on the tab. When...
My jeep won't move forward or backwards.
Hi there: Usually this issue is related to a serious drive line component such as a drive shaft, center gear or transmission output shaft that has broken. When the rear axle is locked up, it' can also be contributed to...
car won't start and no fuel pressure at rail but great at the filter
If the pressure drop exists "through" the fuel filter, then the fuel filter should be replaced. If the pressure at the exit side of the fuel filter is normal and yet the pressure on the fuel rail is essentially zero,...
Replace all ball joints and tie rods
Billing question sent to CS for the cost of labor to replace all four ball joints and the tie rod ends on a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 with a V8-4.7L engine.
Does guaranteed 2 pass mess up motors ?
Hello, thank you for writing in. While this product may not directly effect a perfectly good engine, if there are other issues with it, the problems may be exaggerated by the product. Also keep in mind that the product is...
When going 0-20 mph I hear a knocking noise but over 20 mph no noise
Hi there. Quite often when you hear a knocking sound while accelerating and while braking, it's caused by a CV joint that is damaged or wheel bearings that are damaged. It is also possible (although unlikely) that a damaged pulley...

Related articles

Symptoms of Bad or Failing Exhaust Supports
Common signs include the exhaust pipe seeming loose or swaying, the muffler hanging to the ground, and the exhaust sounding louder than usual.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Vacuum Brake Booster Check Valve
Common signs of a faulty vacuum brake booster check valve include the brake pedal being difficult to engage, feeling spongy, or not working at all.
How Long Does an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Last?
With With society being much more conscious about the environment and leaving as little footprint as possible, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is more important than ever before. This little valve is responsible for single-handily bringing down the amount...