I’ve been dealing with this super annoying issue where my Toyota Hilux is blowing white smoke from the exhaust. It’s freaking me out and need some help fixing it.
Response
I had my Hilux blowing white smoke too about 6 months ago. , I found that checking and replacing the glow plugs was the fix for, so give that a try!
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check Glow Plugs | 1 | Replaced faulty glow plugs | $50-$100 | 30-60 |
| Check Valve Stem Seals | 2 | Replaced worn valve stem seals | $100-$200 | 60-120 |
| Check DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) | 1 | Cleaned and reset the DPF | $0-$50 | 30-60 |
Symptoms
- White smoke coming out of the exhaust
- Milky oil in the engine
- White smoke when parked nose down
Possible Causes
- Faulty glow plugs
- Worn valve stem seals
- Clogged Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
Solutions that Worked
1. Check Glow Plugs
What I Did: Replaced the faulty glow plugs.
Outcome: The white smoke issue was resolved.
Personal Experience: After replacing the glow plugs, the white smoke stopped.
Estimated Cost: $50-$100
Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the Glow Plugs: Open the hood and locate the glow plugs on your engine. They are usually near the injectors.
- Test Each Plug: Use a specialized glow plug tester to check each plug for resistance.
- Remove Faulty Plugs: Unscrew and remove any faulty glow plugs.
- Install New Plugs: Screw in the new glow plugs.
- Reconnect Everything: Make sure to reconnect any wires or components you may have disconnected.
Expert Tip: Faulty glow plugs can lead to incomplete combustion, which may cause white smoke. Always opt for high-quality glow plugs for replacement.
Handy Tip: If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic.
2. Check Valve Stem Seals
What I Did: Replaced the worn valve stem seals.
Outcome: The white smoke issue was resolved.
Personal Experience: After replacing the valve stem seals, the white smoke stopped.
Estimated Cost: $100-$200
Time Needed: 60-120 minutes
Steps:
- Remove Valve Cover: Use a wrench to remove the bolts holding the valve cover.
- Identify Worn Seals: Look for seals that appear worn or damaged.
- Remove Old Seals: Use a valve stem seal removal tool to remove the old seals.
- Install New Seals: Place the new seals over the valve stems.
- Reassemble: Put everything back together, ensuring all bolts are tightened.
Expert Tip: Worn valve stem seals can lead to oil leaking into the combustion chamber, causing white smoke. Always use high-quality seals for replacement.
Handy Tip: Make sure to clean the area around the valve cover to prevent any dirt from entering the engine.
3. Check DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
What I Did: Cleaned and reset the DPF.
Outcome: The white smoke issue was resolved.
Personal Experience: After cleaning the DPF, the white smoke stopped.
Estimated Cost: $0-$50
Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the DPF: Usually found underneath the vehicle, near the exhaust system.
- Inspect for Clogs: Visually inspect the DPF for any clogs or debris.
- Use DPF Cleaner: Spray a specialized DPF cleaning solution into the filter.
- Allow to Soak: Let the solution soak for about 10 minutes.
- Reset DPF: Use an OBD2 scanner to reset the DPF system.
Expert Tip: A clogged DPF can lead to white smoke. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent this issue.
Handy Tip: Always wear protective gear like gloves and goggles when handling chemicals like DPF cleaner.
Extra info:
- Cold Weather: White smoke is more common in cold weather. Don’t panic; first, rule out the more severe issues.
- Turbo Issues: If your Hilux has a turbo, a malfunctioning turbo can also cause white smoke. This is less common but worth checking.
Models Where This Worked
- 2005 Hilux Turbo Diesel
- 2005 D4D Hilux
- 2.8 Hilux (Year not specified)