Hello and Welcome to justanswer...
If the water / antifreeze decreases in level and then comes back and you are not losing any water / coolant ...then its nothing to worry about - that would be the normal expansion operation the cooling system..
If you are losing water - then the first thing to try would be a new expansion tank cap as they do fail and will cause such issues - not sealing the system properly etc.
The smoke you have coming out of th exhaust could be condensation - due to this extreme cold we are having... but if you are definitely losing water to a reasonable degree then yes it could be slight head gasket trouble and this should be further investigated before you do much else...
In any event regarding all the above - I would recommend renewing that bottle / expansion tank cap first and try that...
I sincerely hope I have helped you ~ please ask me if you need more help..
Best rgds... MIKE
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Thank you .
Feedback is always appreciated too... Thank you .
UK Car Mechanic
Hi, I am a Car/ vehicle mechanic of some 32 years. 25of -running my own repair/diagnostic business.
I went to Halfords first thing and bought a new top for expansion tank and they also told me to try something in case I had a radiator leek which I added to the water cylinder
New cap made water disappear quicker and someone sent me a cylinder head specialist where unfortunately he said that the steam was increasing out of the exhaust pipe and that gasket needs replacing. Cost three hundred and twenty pounds including new cam belt and 12 months guarantee - what do you think?
My own garage said it was not worth doing but I felt that I didn't have engough spare cash to splash out
Anyway thanks for your advice it led me to meeting someone who pointed me in another direction and hopefully by tomorrow my car will be back on the road
Comment would be appreciated
I replied as above but presume you are closed on Saturday and Sunday
Hello again... Sorry, no we are not closed but no always online ...
The reason the cap made matters worse then is because it increased the system pressure to what it should be ( the old cap was therefore defective then ) ..and this then highlighted the real problem..which in its own way was a good thing.
To be absolutely sure of this -ask the garage to carry out a dye test - this involves putting a dye in the cooling system and it will tell if combustion gases are getting into the cooling system. That will confirm things...but it does sounds like the head gasket Im afraid...and that will have to be done to cure it...
Kind Rgds,.... MIKE
PS...Please press the ACCEPT button if you are happy with my answer/advice given- as thats how I get paid ;)
Thanks for replying at least it got me started and by tomorrow should be back on the road. Garages somehow just give you answers with no evidence. The last advice was brilliant will store it up for future reference
Happy New Year
Cindy