Questions and Answers

Smoking Volvo 240 DL Q. I have a 1992 Volvo 240 DL. It is an automatic and has approximately 150,000 miles. It is not fuel injection. It has been leaking oil. The oil light came on while I was driving and I put in a quart. Now, the car smokes when I drive it. When I called the dealership where I have my car serviced, they told me that I probably seized the engine and will need thousands of dollars worth of work.

I was careful to check my oil levels and the dip stick says there is oil in the engine. Is it possible to drive a car when the engine is seized? I just want to make sure before I turn my car over to the shop.

Thank you,
Abbey

A. When an engine seizes, it is locked up tighter than Brittany Spears jeans. In other words, it would not even crank over, much less run. I suspect you spoke to a Service Writer who really doesn't know what he's talking about. But as long as the technician who works on your car does, you'll be all right.

Potential damage depends on the color of the smoke. White, sweet smelling smoke usually indicates a blown head gasket and blue, acrid smelling smoke usually indicates internal engine damage.