White smoke after idle.

[Jeff822]

So, after idle when i take off white smoke comes out of the exhaust, ive been told its the valve seals and some other people are telling me its the head gasket, after the take of it doesnt smoke anymore. My coolant overflow is still half full where its always been.

 

[top_end95]

Im having the same problem. I removed the ex. manifold and sure enough the valve seals are leaking. You may want to start there first.

 

[turbo98eclipse]

Head gasket....The rpms are low at idle which allows coolant to "build up" until the rpms raise, causeing the coolant to burn into: white smoke. I currently have this problem =(

 

[diablos991]

To be sure you are going to have to start off with a compression test. http://www.dsmgrrrl.com/FAQs/compression.htm

You could remove your exhaust manifold to see if it is the valve stem seals.
But either way its smart to do a compression test.

 

[majik2k5]

I'm leaning towards head gasket on this one. Start with the suggested head gasket and then go from there.

 

[MrBoxx]

Just to cover your bases, check the turbo for shaft play. In some cases, the oil leaking past the seals will create white smoke, though it usually happens after boosting and shifting. Take off the intake and try to wiggle the compressor wheel. Noticeable movement is bad, especially in and out end-play.

 

[Jeff822]

Just to cover your bases, check the turbo for shaft play. In some cases, the oil leaking past the seals will create white smoke, though it usually happens after boosting and shifting. Take off the intake and try to wiggle the compressor wheel. Noticeable movement is bad, especially in and out end-play.

Actually just checked for shaft play 2 days ago. Its not overheating or anything, what do i do to check the valve seals? pull the exhaust mani. off? then what?

 

[SeeYaAWD]

Definately coolant burning. Check the head gasket.

 

[Jeff822]

Well, im gonna have a leakdown test done tomorrow and do a compression test, so i guess i'll see tomorrow.

 

[SeeYaAWD]

Keep us posted, and good luck!

 

[Jeff822]

Yea, definately, if its the head gasket i'll probably leave my car sit till everyone pays me back all the money they owe me and build up the motor a bit and just buy a cheap beater car till then, gas prices and 18 psi dont match up too good plus the fact i drive 100+ miles a day

 

[SeeYaAWD]

I just had to call in a couple of loans to be able to replace the clutch I lost a couple of weeks ago. I am installing it on Friday and can't wait to be back up and running. I cry with you looking at your car and not being able to drive it I can certainly relate.

 

[diablos991]

Actually just checked for shaft play 2 days ago. Its not overheating or anything, what do i do to check the valve seals? pull the exhaust mani. off? then what?

Check the valves and the exhaust runners for oil. If they are black from oil, then its sign for leaking valve stem seals.