1stgear

When I start my car up in the morning (about 50 degrees and a little humid) I get a good amount of smoke from the car until the temp gets above that first quarter inch white mark on the temp gauge. I haven't gotten out to smell it, but I am hoping that it's just condensation burning off and not oil. The car (1987 3.2) has 74k on it - does this sound normal?

Thanks in advance!

Auto_Werks 3.6

Condensation "smoke" will be white, and isn't uncommon. Oil smoke would appear heavier and blue-ish. It is reasonable to see a little oil smoke at first start up, but this should last only several seconds, not several miuntes. If you are burning that much oil, it might be cause for some concern. It's hard to tell without seeing the car, but it really sounds like you are describing condensation. Does the exhaust appear different than any of your other family cars on the same morning? You are more than likely fine, but be sure to keep an eye on your dipstick... no pun intended.

-Ryan

ron mcatee

What kind of oil usage are you experiencing per 1000 miles? If more than a duart, you may have valve guide problems. I wouldn't jump to conclusions until you document usage, leakage, etc.

Edward

Hi 1st Gear,

What Ryan said. Is yours a daily driver? If the car has been sitting for even just a few days, you will easily see a good puff of blue-ish smoke. Our engines, when sedentary, typically can exude such oil-burn, but that should clear up in seconds. What you are likely seeing is condensation if it is lasting that long. Next time you start the car (in the morning), if it smokes take a close look (and sniff) at the smoke: blue-ish and oily smell vs. white and non-smelly. Moreover, you should not have the smoke when the weather warms up, say on your commute home from work. Pay close attention and post back what you get. BTW, how much oil do you add (i.s due to consumption, not leaking) between oil changes?

Edward

1stgear

Thanks for all the quick replies, everyone!

Answers
> There is no blue in the smoke. It's white and whispy.
> It doesn't start smoking until I get it outside of the garage and have gone about a block.
> The car isn't my daily driver, but I do drive it almost daily.
> My other vehicle is a 3/4 ton diesel truck so no way to compare.
> Once the weather warms up in the afternoon there isn't any smoke.
> I haven't had the car long enough to add any oil. I've only put around 200 miles on it since I got it.

old man neri

Oil smoke will tend to stick around, condensation smoke dissipates very quickly.

How long of drives are you going for? If your drives are frequent and short you could have a build up of water in your exhaust.

1stgear

Yup, this smoke dissapates pretty quickly. My trips are frequent and short. I didn't notice any smoke when I went to lunch today. Temp was about 65, car had sat for 4 hours and was cold. (Only a 10 minute drive to work.)

LaughaC

ok

theiceman

Sounds fine to me ,

old man neri

10 min drives might not be long enough to get that car up to temperature.

whalebird

Please take the long way to work. Warm the car up by driving, not sitting at idle and drive it for about 20 minutes after the oil temp is up(denoted by the gradual drop in oil pressure). You and the car will be a lot happier.

Germancar90

+1 short trips are the worst for these cars. if i drive mine i try to atleast go 10 miles or so

theiceman

short trips are bad for ANY car.

salukijac

I think I read in Pete's book that should always "try to reach full temperature, or close to it, during each use." Which brings me to another point and rather than hi-jacking this thread I'll start another about Pete's book.

Anyway, the grocery store is only 2 miles away so I always end up driving the long way...my wife always asks, "what took you so long"?

GothingNC

You must be driving too slow

John