My '02 911 Coupe (new to me) with 10,000 miles blew a big cloud of white smoke when I started it this morning. It sort of smelled faintly like coolant. It cleared after shutting the engine down and restarting it. Can anyone explain this one to me? Thanks.

Rog

 

Well that is normal for a Flat engine because the oil can slip past the piston rings when the car cools down, but the coolant smell is not good. That would mean you might have coolant leaking through the cylinder head.

 

coolant is not good... cracked head would come to mind. check levels and do see dealer. :-(

 

Thanks to both of you. I suspect it's just the normal flat 6 smoke mentioned. New to Porsche I wanted to confirm with others with more experience. The smell was very faint and not clearly coolant.

Rog

 

Roger are you sure it smells like antifreeze?
here is some info I foud about it.

http://www.faqfarm.com/Car/Repair/808

Jerzy

 

The white smoke at startup happens to me if I drive the car hard.
Seems you're driving it like it's meant to be driven.

 

Thats exactly what my first thoughts were, I know you like to drive that thing pretty hard. I was kind of surprised to find the g35 blowing the same kind of smoke this morning when I first started it, I gave it a good rev and it was gone so I assume its normal.

Jerzy

 

Leon.....I like the way you think It's reassuring to know others have had a similar experience. Thanks.


Jerzy, That name seems familiar. Thanks for the link bud. See you later.

Roger

 

i think your engine might be blown
just sign your car over to me and i will take care of it

 

It is normal for a flat six to blow smoke occasionally on start up but not “white” smoke. The “normal” smoke is bluish in color and has the distinct smell of oil. If your smoke was truly white and if it did have the smell of coolant take the car to the dealership immediately. Since you have a ’02 with 10k miles your car is still covered under warranty. They may not find anything and give you clean bill of health but the incident will be documented in case of future problems. White smoke that smells of coolant is not normal for any engine configuration, including the flat 6 and should be thoroughly checked out.

 

deleted double post

 

Jason, trade you


Brian, I've had it happen once since the original post. I would say the smoke was slightly bluish, and this time I dove out of the drivers seat into the cloud with my nose to the air like a beagle It smelled more like oil to me. I believe all is well....Thanks again to all with your interest and expertise.

Roger