LexusNoobBoob

Make this short as I can

I've posted before about mechanic saying pinhole in head gasket, months ago, he told me as it got worse, I would see white smoke out of tail pipe due to the coolant burning

I drove quite a bit yesterday and it was mid 90's heat wise. For the first time I did see white smoke for a few seconds as I accelerated onto a highway entrance ramp. I drove probably 200 miles round trip.

Any car gurus out there have a general idea about this?.....I'm assuming it just slowly gets worse and worse until the head fails?

Also, I checked the coolant level this morning and it doesn't seem to have changed at all.

I'm just trying to sorta gauge how much time I might have before the car totally fails.

Any help would be appreciated.

salimshah

Please do not confuse warped head with pinhole leak in the head gasket. If the head is not warped, replacing the gasket will fix the issue.

If you are sure you care not loosing coolant, and the coolant is oil free, I would not worry about anything.

Salim

PS: Do keep an eye on the coolant level. The temp indicator works as long as you have coolant. With very low coolant or no coolant, the temp indicator does not give valid reading.
To verify coolant level, open up the radiator cap with engine cold and do not rely on the overflow reservoir.
DO NOT ADD more than 1/4 cup of cold coolant with the engine hot and not running.
All of the above if not paid attention to will warp your head.
You can loan a coolant pressure test equipment and confirm there is a leak in the coolant.