The largest online repair guide library for every car

About us
Contact support
FAQ
Sign up
Sign in

2019 Ford Edge ST - Coolant Loss and White Smoke from Exhaust

0

Chris P. · rep 0 · May 22, 2:30 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 Ford Edge ST

I'm really concerned about my 2019 Ford Edge ST with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine. For the past few weeks, I've been noticing a gradual but consistent drop in my coolant level, and I have to top it off every few days. There are no visible leaks on my driveway or around the engine bay.

Recently, I've also started seeing a bit of white smoke coming from the exhaust, especially on cold starts, and it smells slightly sweet. The engine also seems to be running a bit rougher than usual, and I'm worried this could be a serious internal engine problem.

Has anyone with a 2.7L EcoBoost experienced anything like this? Could it be a head gasket, or something worse? What should I be looking for, and what kind of repair costs am I looking at? I'm hoping it's not a major engine issue.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 2:30 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

Your description of consistent coolant loss, white smoke with a sweet smell from the exhaust, and a rough-running engine strongly suggests an internal coolant leak, often referred to as coolant intrusion, which is a known issue with some Ford EcoBoost engines, including the 2.7L.

  1. Common Causes:

    • Head Gasket Failure: This is a classic cause of coolant entering the combustion chamber. The head gasket seals the cylinder head to the engine block, and if it fails, coolant can leak into the cylinders or oil passages.
    • Cracked Cylinder Head/Block: In more severe cases, a crack in the cylinder head or engine block itself can allow coolant to escape internally. This is a more serious and costly repair.
    • Intake Manifold Gasket Leak: While less common to cause white smoke from the exhaust, a leaking intake manifold gasket could allow coolant to be drawn into the combustion process.

  2. Symptoms and Diagnostics:

    • White Smoke: The sweet-smelling white smoke is vaporized coolant burning in the combustion chamber.
    • Coolant Loss: The coolant is being consumed by the engine.
    • Rough Running/Misfires: Coolant in the cylinders can cause misfires, leading to a rough idle or poor engine performance. You might eventually see a 'Check Engine' light with codes like P030X (misfire in cylinder X) or P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) if the catalytic converter is affected by the burning coolant.
    • Oil Contamination: In some cases, coolant can mix with engine oil, creating a milky substance (often called 'milkshake oil') on the dipstick or under the oil filler cap.

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • This is a critical issue that requires immediate attention from a qualified mechanic or Ford dealership. Continuing to drive with an internal coolant leak can lead to severe engine damage, including hydro-locking a cylinder or overheating the engine.
    • A technician will likely perform a cooling system pressure test, a block test (to detect exhaust gases in the coolant), and potentially a cylinder leak-down test or borescope inspection of the cylinders. They will also scan for any stored OBD-II codes. Be prepared for potentially significant repair costs, as this often involves extensive engine work.
Menu

Help & account