I have a 91 Honda Accord EX, recently I have noticed a problem in the morning when I start the car.

When I start the car a lot of white smoke comes out the exhaust.
But, it only does this when the car has been sitting out in the cold all night (or day)
And it only does it till the car has warmed up a bit (usually only a couple minutes after I have started moving)

If I park the car in the garage it does not smoke when I start it.
if it's warm outside it does not smoke when I start it.

I am thinking there is a head leak or something along those lines.
Anyone have a good idea of what is causing this so I can fix it?

Thanks!

 

Any sign of oil in your coolant or coolant in your oil ? Those are the usual signs of head gasket problems. Some condensation burn off is normal....especially this time of year for you in KC ?

 

I have not noticed coolant in the oil or oil in the coolant.
I plan on Flushing the coolant this summer (if it ever gets here.) and plan to change the valve cover gasket, because it is apparently leaking :D

The white smoke has been bugging me. yes, In KC. has been nice here the last couple weeks. but the last couple days have been real cold. so I've noticed all the smoke if I leave the car in the driveway each morning.

I understand some condensation would be normal. but this is tons of smoke hehe.
white smoke. I have at times smelled coolant while driving. but only once or twice.
Perhaps it's leaking somewhere other than the Head.?

 

can you tell what color it is? smell unusual?

are you sure it is not just condensation in the exhaust, it can be decieving sometimes?

 

The smoke is white. looks just like clouds.
Doesn't really smell "funny" that I have noticed.

I guess it could just be condensation, Would it be possible that it is just building up more than normal? When I say a lot of smoke I mean a lot. clouds up the whole block hehe.
but after I drive it a mile or so it's gone.

Seems like a bit much to me. I would think there is something not right.

 

If it's smoke, it does not evaporate, if it's steam, it will dissipate fast. Chances are that your rings/ seals are wearing out and when it's cold they contract not sealing as well. This allows some oil to get by (white smoke on cold start-ups) and burn off in the combustion chamber but will usually subside after the engine is warmed up.

 

I agree with what he said about the smoke and steam thing.

Blue smoke (looks really close to white) is from burning oil.
Black smoke is from fuel not burning fully.
White smoke is normally water in the exhaust.
Green tinged smoke is coolant burning.

Got an old generator at my work that burns blue smoke. I train the new guys on how to notice if something is burning oil or not with that smoke.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Stew Pidasso &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If it's smoke, it does not evaporate, if it's steam, it will dissipate fast. Chances are that your rings/ seals are wearing out and when it's cold they contract not sealing as well. This allows some oil to get by (white smoke on cold start-ups) and burn off in the combustion chamber but will usually subside after the engine is warmed up.</TD></TR></TABLE>

ding thar you go

 

it's probably because water has condensed into your cylinder. if you leave a cup outside in the cold for hours, you will see water condensating around it. same concept i think

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Stew Pidasso &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If it's smoke, it does not evaporate, if it's steam, it will dissipate fast. Chances are that your rings/ seals are wearing out and when it's cold they contract not sealing as well. This allows some oil to get by (white smoke on cold start-ups) and burn off in the combustion chamber but will usually subside after the engine is warmed up.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Wow, That is an awesome Answer
so, Assuming that is correct what would it cost to fix that? and forgive me for sounding stupid but what rings and seals?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by smokeen_gunz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Wow, That is an awesome Answer
so, Assuming that is correct what would it cost to fix that? and forgive me for sounding stupid but what rings and seals? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Your piston rings and valve seals. Basically, the engine is worn out and may need replaced down the road. Many people on here who do swaps sell their old Accord engines which aren't really worn out. These can be had for a decent price & usually cheaper than rebuilding your old engine.

 

Duhh!!!!!! What temp is it outside right now where you live?

A car belching white smoke in the morning is normal when the temperature is at a certain point. We see it up here all the time. In winter, as soon as the temp reaches about 0 degrees celcius, the car will smoke in the morning until it reaches operating temperature.

Have you noticed that maybe your neighbors cars are doing the same thing?

fs

 

condensation in the exh.