Got just a little sweet white smoke from the tailpipe of my 2000 Infiniti I30T.

My question: Any chance the intake manifold gasket is leaking?

My 2000 I30t (same engine as 2000 Maxima) had a little radiator leak that was left unattended too long. Suddenly got a little puff of white coolant smoke out the tailpipe when idling in the driveway after a 5 mile commute. Shut it off immediately. Refilled the coolant the next day, and able to drive a few miles without more white smoke. I'm sure that if I let it get hot, I'll get more white smoke.

So, I'm probably looking at an expensive head gasket job. HOWEVER, and THIS IS MY QUESTION: could coolant be getting into the combustion system through some other means, such as from the intake manifold gasket? Has anyone ever seen this on these Nissan V6s? If not intake manifold, what other sources could there be?

I know it's a long shot, but I'm hoping and praying for something other than a headgasket job.

The car is otherwise in excellent condition, runs beautifully, with 135K miles, and has been very well maintained since new.

Thanks!

 

Sorry, time to break out the tools.

 

Leak down test first. Short answer is no.