White smoke coming from the exhaust???

[gstspyder1998]

I just started to get white smoke coming out from my car. The funny thing is that it only happens when I initially start the car in the morning. It doesn't happen again till the next day. Is this a problem or is this normal???

 

[dTERM]

You sure it's smoke? Maybe Vapor from condensation?

 

[eclipsegs96]

if you are sure it is white smoke that is never good. Make sure of that before you drive yourself crazy. white smoke i do beleive is the first sign of oil mixing with antifreeze, which is very bad.

hope i am not incorrect on this.

 

[gstspyder1998]

I'm pretty sure it's white smoke. I thought it was also condensation, but shouldn't stop after awhile??? I'm confused because I've been reading some of the threads here about smoke coming out of the exhaust and mine seems to be a little different. I just wanted to know if I should worry or not!!!

 

[eclipsegs96]

I am sorry but do not really have an answer for you. But as i said white smoke is bad usually

 

[InFlames]

Does it have a funky, sweet smell? If it does then it's antifreeze. Could be the head gasket or a cracked head(less common).

 

[98TsiAWD]

Look at the inside of your oil cap and your dipstick, if there is milky looking stuff on it, you have antifreeze in your oil, which is most likely a head gasket.

 

[Turbo Guru]

Originally posted by str8ballin
Look at the inside of your oil cap and your dipstick, if there is milky looking stuff on it, you have antifreeze in your oil, which is most likely a head gasket.

I second this suggestion.

Joe

 

[gstspyder1998]

Originally posted by str8ballin
Look at the inside of your oil cap and your dipstick, if there is milky looking stuff on it, you have antifreeze in your oil, which is most likely a head gasket.

Everything looks fine, it doesn't look milky at all. I'm guessing it's probably condensation. Also it doesn't have a sweet smell to it, it actually doesn't really smell anything at all. Thanks for the tips though.

 

[nholley]

I would say Head. Best bet is to get it too a garage ASAP and let them take a look. I ignored white smoke once, I only started taking notice when I was told I needed a new engine.

I hope it is OK.

 

[markmakeitso]

Does smoke at startup usually indicate bad valve seals? I thought it meant oil was draining into the cylinders after the car was shut off, but somebody might want to back me up here. At any rate, i give another vote for head work.

 

[Turbo Guru]

Oil burning is blue smoke.

Have you done a compression test?

Joe

 

[Vajra]

i ahve a some what odd smokeing issue... mine only happens at idle.... its not really blue and its not really blakc and tis not really white..... so i ckeep asking people what color it is and no one can say for sure.... but i don't have the issues with the anit freexze thing we thougth it might be oil for a while now we jsut think its cause i am running pretty rich... but if anyone can let me know about my idleing smoking issue i would be most appreciatve... also it doens't smoke now as bad as it did i had a diff ecu i sware it was tuned no matter it got fired and i have a standered refurbished one now and it got a lot better.. although i do miss my exhaust making smoke rings like a cigar blower it was cool as hell .... haha

 

[2-0turbo]

Originally posted by Vajra
i ahve a some what odd smokeing issue... mine only happens at idle.... its not really blue and its not really blakc and tis not really white..... so i ckeep asking people what color it is and no one can say for sure.... but i don't have the issues with the anit freexze thing we thougth it might be oil for a while now we jsut think its cause i am running pretty rich... but if anyone can let me know about my idleing smoking issue i would be most appreciatve... also it doens't smoke now as bad as it did i had a diff ecu i sware it was tuned no matter it got fired and i have a standered refurbished one now and it got a lot better.. although i do miss my exhaust making smoke rings like a cigar blower it was cool as hell .... haha

This is most likely valve seals. Mine does this too, as do MANY 1G and other early 1990 Mitsubishi engines. The early Chrysler minivans had Mitsu engines. Watch around town how many of those smoke when they leave a light.

 

[tsm8500]

Make sure there is no oil leaking into your turbocharger. This will give large amounts of white smoke coming out of your exhaust. A leak like this will, however, quickly destroy your engine. The turbocharger will rob all of you engine oil through the leak. Soon you will be running on no oil, and soon after that, you will ruin your engine. I complement the individual who suggested the head gasket, that was my original suggestion. This will not stop though, so this is most likely not your problem, but you might want to have it checked.

 

[jmc94gsx]

In regards to the last post: my car was recently burning oil and gave off white clouds. Check the turbo, it would be a safe thing to do. Pull off the lower pipe and the intake and check for any amount of oil, especially the lower pipe since that's where the oil will collect. An oil seal of my 16g crapped out on mine. Just something to consider...

 

[PAIGE]

Gstspyder1998,
Have you checked/replaced your pcv valve? I had the exact same problem and my fear was the head as well. I changed my PCV valve and the smoke went away.