Common Exhaust Problems

• White smoke after starting
• Blue smoke after starting

Article: 50232 of rec.autos.misc
From: Todd Philipps (tlphili@iastate.edu)
Subject: Re: WHITE SMOKE AFTER STARTING
Date: 19 Aug 1995 17:56:52 GMT
Organization: Iowa State University
Lines: 11

cbe2061@InfoNET.st-johns.nf.ca (Andrew Cook) wrote:
>I have been having a problem lately with my car. Just after starting, 
>larger than normal amounts of white smoke (not blue) come out the exahust. 
>Also, there is a strong smell of something burning. This happens about 
>75% of the time. Is this something serious?? 
>

Sounds like you have a head gasket going out.  It's leaking 
antifreeze into the cylinders.  That's what gives the white smoke 
and the smell.



Article: 49226 of rec.autos.misc
From: gribble@primenet.com (Mr. Fun)
Subject: Re: BLUE SMOKE JUST AFTER STARTING?
Date: Fri, 11 Aug 1995 05:15:37 GMT
Organization: Primenet
Lines: 12

balan@engr.mun.ca (Benjamin Balan) wrote:

>When I start my car which has a carburated 8 cylinder engine (90K miles), I 
>usually get a blue cloud of smoke that lasts for about 10 seconds.  What 
>are the possible causes and is it expensive to repair.  Thanks in advance.


It's usually just slightly worn valve guides.  Unless the car is using more
then a quart every 500 miles or oil fouling the plugs its definatly not worth
fixing.