Wont Start.. Then extreme white smoke :S - MINI Cooper Forum

ICMINI · #1 (**permalink**) Dec 31st, 2012, 02:23 PM

Hi all,
Here with another problem yet again..

This morning I went to reverse the car out of the drive way and it just wouldnt fire. It would tick once or twice but wont actually start up. As the car would tick the headlights would also flash rapidly.
I assumed it was either my starter motor or my battery.
So I tried jumpstarting it and it didnt work, then put the Mini Cooper's battery back in (BMW one which I assume has never been replaced) and it finally started when I turned the ignition (after about 15-20 times).
Then after a few seconds, a huge continuous white cloud of smoke blew out of my exhaust for a good 5-10 minutes... :\
Now I have vague idea's of what could cause both problems.. but they don't link.
I'm assuming that each time I tried starting the car and it would just tick, oil would spurt up onto the spark plugs, and the white smoke was just the burning of a large collection of built up oil.
However thats just a guess, and would love to get some of your insight onto this.
And also I have no idea why it didn't start up the first dozen times..?
We took it for a spin after the smoke had cleared off and it seemed fine.
I checked the oil for coolant, and the coolant for oil, so I don't believe my head gasket blew on me either.
Please if some of you guys who may know the problem could get back to me, that would be much appreciated.
Cheers,
Mim

bax2079 · #2 (**permalink**) Jan 2nd, 2013, 03:54 PM

white smoke is water vapour
black smoke is oil
blue smoke is petrol (or it used to be)

have you driven through large puddles lately?
Thats the first thing that jumps to my mind.

The Nun · #3 (**permalink**) Jan 2nd, 2013, 04:39 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by bax2079 (original)

white smoke is water vapour
have you driven through large puddles lately?
Thats the first thing that jumps to my mind.

Good idea, could have an exhaust full.

ICMINI · #4 (**permalink**) Jan 2nd, 2013, 11:32 PM

Hey guys, I wish it was just that! Turned out its a blown head gasket! Have someone coming over today and were gonna rip off the head and get it all machined and pressure tested, then replace all the gaskets and probably do the timing chain while were at it! :\

bax2079 · #5 (**permalink**) Jan 3rd, 2013, 09:52 AM

Well, sorry to hear that. White smoke coming out of the exhaust can only be water that got in and there's only 2 ways water can get in the exhaust , through the tail pipe or from the coolant/head gasket. It's more likely to be the head. Hope you get it sorted.

ICMINI · #6 (**permalink**) Jan 3rd, 2013, 01:12 PM

Yeah it's definitely the head gasket :\ Still havent gotten around to removing the head, fingers crossed the head is not cracked or warped, and its just a gasket thats leaking!
Thanks mate, will keep everyone posted with what the actual cause was, and the result!

ICMINI · #7 (**permalink**) Jan 9th, 2013, 11:51 PM

WOO! Head isn't cracked!!

bax2079 · #8 (**permalink**) Jan 10th, 2013, 09:03 AM

Just a failed gasket then?

Lucky.

ICMINI · #9 (**permalink**) Jan 10th, 2013, 09:45 AM

Yep! Never thought i'd say I was happy to hear that my head gasket leaked, but definitely didn't want to go through a cracked head!

I believe the car is coming home tomorrow, have had withdrawals!!

bax2079 · #10 (**permalink**) Jan 10th, 2013, 09:48 AM

strange how it wouldn't start though... or maybe not that strange if you've got water in your ignition system.

ICMINI · #11 (**permalink**) Jan 10th, 2013, 10:03 AM

Oh I forgot to mention on this forum that it turned out to be the battery! What a weird coincidence hey!! The day after it wouldn't start, I replaced it and it fired instantly.. followed by white smoke.. coolant spilling everywhere.. and extreme back fire..
But all fixed now! And will be back on the road shortly

ICMINI · #12 (**permalink**) Jan 11th, 2013, 05:13 AM

CAR IS UP AND RUNNING! Thanks for everyones input and helpful information

Running like a charm!!