1. Coolant Leak: A leak in the cooling system, such as a cracked cylinder head or a faulty head gasket, can allow coolant to enter the combustion chambers. This can result in white smoke that smells sweet and has a slightly sweet taste.
2. Blown Head Gasket: A blown head gasket can cause a breach between the engine's coolant and combustion chambers, leading to white smoke. This is often accompanied by other symptoms like overheating, coolant loss, and rough engine running.
3. Faulty PCV Valve: A faulty positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve can cause excessive oil to enter the combustion chamber, resulting in white smoke.
4. Worn Piston Rings: Worn or damaged piston rings can allow oil to seep into the combustion chamber, causing white smoke. This is more likely to occur in older vehicles with high mileage.
5. Injector Issues: Faulty fuel injectors can cause the engine to run rich, resulting in white smoke due to unburned fuel.
6. Thermostat Issues: A stuck-open thermostat can cause the engine to run at lower temperatures, resulting in white smoke from incomplete fuel combustion.
If you observe white smoke from your Mitsubishi Eclipse's exhaust, it is important to have the vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to identify the exact cause and perform the necessary repairs promptly to prevent further damage.
