Car Started Stalling Intermittently...Now Blowing Alot White Smoke What Could This Be>

2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
168,000 MILES
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BOPPLES70
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The first day, car stalled 3 times while driving...started back up, but ran rough.
Checked oil level, needed to add 3 quarts. Cannot detect a leak.
The 2nd day, car idled rough. Then, started blowing white smoke while driving.
This car's engine was replaced at 85,000 miles. Just bought it from private seller a week ago with no leaks, no noises, nothing!
Help!
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Feb 16, 2012 at 5:45 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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That is really low on oil. The white smoke indicates to me that there is coolant getting into the combustion chamber most likely via a bad head gasket. Check to see if coolant is mixing with oil or oil with coolant.
Feb 16, 2012 at 5:51 PM
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BOPPLES70
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How much will a shop charge to replace?
Feb 16, 2012 at 5:54 PM
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BOPPLES70
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Someone else mentioned piston rings...What happens when they go bad?
Feb 16, 2012 at 5:55 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Rings will cause a loss of compression, blue smoke from the exhaust (oil burning) and blow by. Once they get bad enough, the engine will no longer start.
Feb 16, 2012 at 6:01 PM
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BOPPLES70
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This is pure white smoke and a lot of it...Also, intermittent stalling, oil disappearing. I will have to check coolant and oil mix.
How much does a head gasket replacement run?
Feb 16, 2012 at 6:03 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If it is only a gasket, expect to spend around 500.
Feb 16, 2012 at 6:08 PM
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BOPPLES70
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What about piston rings?
Feb 16, 2012 at 6:09 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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At that point, which I doubt is the problem, the engine needs rebuilt.
Feb 16, 2012 at 6:10 PM
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BOPPLES70
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Oh,so you feel pretty confident it's the head gasket even though it may not be crossing oil and coolant?
Feb 16, 2012 at 6:14 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Yes
Feb 16, 2012 at 6:24 PM
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BOPPLES70
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Thanks for all of your input!
Feb 16, 2012 at 6:24 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Glad to help. Let me know the final outcome.
Feb 16, 2012 at 8:18 PM
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BOPPLES70
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Gladly!
Feb 16, 2012 at 8:19 PM