FrontwheelENT

Sup, my EK has recently been throwing out white smoke out of the exhaust when I start it up in the morning, the white smoke comes out for about 5 seconds then dissapears. Also, when im in reverse and I tap the gas pedal to move, white smoke comes out the exhaust. Is this normal? It has a sweet smell to it. Im not sure what it is, could it be my headgasket? My valve stem seals? Ive also noticed a lil loss of oil when I did my oil change. Havent seen a loss in coolant. What could cause this white smoke? I have a D16 engine btw.

jbpnoman

Sweet smell and white smoke is pretty text book coolant. I'd to a leakdown and block test, at least to be on the safe side. Both tests are 10 minute, in your driveway tests, and are relatively inexpensive.

FrontwheelENT

What would I be testing for?

jbpnoman

A leakdown test tests for any leaks within the motor. A block test tests for mixing of exhaust fumes with coolant.

** How To - Leakdown Test ** - Honda-Tech

A block testing kit can be rented from your local parts store, and should have directions included.

redm3turbo

no loss of coolant?
you sure its a sweet smell?
where ever you are...is it cool in the morning? possibly condensation out the tailpipe.
Usually white smoke is coolant, however to burn it..you'd lose some.

FrontwheelENT

No, no loss of coolant. Pretty sure its a sweet smell. And nah its not cool in the morning rarely, im in NY.

jbpnoman

This time of year, I think the only way it'd be cool is if you were living in the North Pole

It's possible you're burning enough coolant to cause the white, sweet smelling smoke, but not enough for it to be a noticeable loss. The only other way to burn white smoke is to be running pig rich. If that was the case, it wouldn't smell sweet, and your car would be driving like miserable ***.

Seriously though, block test and leakdown test. Both simple to do yourself.

Marvin1985

iTrader: (5)

its a small enough leak that collects while sitting then clears out after a few seconds. you sir have a small headgasket leak that will increase as time goes on.

Jimster480

sounds like you have a minimal head gasket leak. I recommend getting the bars leaks sealant additive. Its copper, and it will let you fix your problem really without having to take it apart.

redm3turbo

^ Id disagree and NOT add the leaks sealant additive. Ive heard too many horror stories with that gunking up things.

If you aren't losing coolant, and theres just a little white smoke, Id either
1) replace the headgasket
2) wait a bit til it gets worse

I know of a EG that needs a headgasket, and uses about a gallon of coolant every 10 days, and it has been running that way 2 years. Should you do that? no, especially when a headgasket is 40 bucks. However its not going to leave you stranded on the side of the road tomorrow either, unless it pops of course...

redm3turbo

lol...Im in NY also. Hey the other morning it got down to mid 60's here. for about an hour, and then returned to the 90's of course.

integra_101

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZxuWg9mXXo

FrontwheelENT

Any other suggestions?

redm3turbo

What are you expecting?
Leakdown tests are definitive answers. Get a tester, do the test..have definite answer. Or Post on webforum...we pull at straws and guess what might be the cause and you try a couple different things.

End all be all....if you aren't using coolant, its very mild at this point. Will it get worse, you bet. Headgaskets are very common on hondas.... get a $10 manual, and $100 bucks in parts/gaskets/bolts and a day in your driveway and keep the car without problem for another 100k miles.

Jimster480

there are many that do but bars leaks doesnt. I ran it for 2 years with no real problems.

jbpnoman

Yeah, leakdown and block tests.
You didn't have any real problems. Just like anything that can go in a motor, some people will, some people won't. I've personally been using Seafoam since my first car, and I've never had a problem. If I said everyone should use Seafoam, it'll fix it right up, I guarantee you half the forum would be shitting on me for it.

Jimster480

yea and while that is true, that shouldnt stop you from suggesting fixes to people because you think other people will get mad at you. idgaf about that. I've helped out so many people on this forum and alot of the older and top members respect me. Whenever I disappear off this forum for a while I start getting emails or AIM messages from people asking me to help them because "someone" told them that I could probably fix it.
if someone has a problem with something you suggested, then that is on them. This is a forum, there are no guarentees.

FrontwheelENT

Checked the radiator today, my coolant is filled all the way to the top. There's definitely no loss of coolant. My oil does not look like a milkshake or frothy. So what could be causing this damn white smoke?!

Brian Parr

quit being an ASKhole and do the leakdown/block test!!! AGAIN you may not be burning enough to show loss

davidk72008

It definitely sounds like you're leaking coolant somehow. I would try the leakdown again

TheJGB3

What about ther overflow tank? As the radiator level drops, it pulls from the overflow tank.

FrontwheelENT

The radiator level is filled all the way to the top, like when i take the cap off i cant put anymore coolant in it or else it will spill. The overflow tank is at the max line.

FrontwheelENT

Gonna take it to a shop this week for a compression test, whats a good price for the test?

jbpnoman

It's a simple test, just do it yourself...

FrontwheelENT

Went to see the radiator today, i took off the cap and revved on the throttle so that coolant would come out, while it was coming out an oil looking fluid came out as well. It was like a milky brown color. Guess I found the problem ehh? Definitely a head gasket now?