Subject:	engine problems
Question:	I have a 1996 mitsubishi eclipse rs. white smoke is coming out of the exhaust and recently the engine is making a rattling noise when the rpms rev higher. I have had a small oil leak too. what do you think?
Answer:	Eric, It sounds like you may need a new waterpump. White smoke typically indicates you are getting coolent in your exhaust. A rattling noise is also an indication of this. If you're living in a cold area, white smoke is common when you first start up your car. If the majority of that white smoke does not go away after you've driven the car for 10-15 minutes, you're definately leaking coolent somewhere. Check you coolent level. Your owners manual will tell you correct anti-freeze/water ratio, and recommended capacity. If the smoke has kinda like a sweet smell, its also an indication that its coolent. If your coolent level stay steady, your temperature gauge stay stablie, and the white smoke dissipates after driving for a while, your rattle may just be some loose heat shields on your exhaust pipe. Those may just need to be tighted down. Your oil leak may be a seperate issue. You may have a leaking valve cover. Your car is getting to the 7 year mark; which usually means your at or have exceeded 60,000 miles. If you've never had a tune-up, now is a good time to do it. If you've never had your belts replaced, they should be at this point. If its determined that your waterpump is bad, have the pump replaced when the belts are changed. Good luck!