So I picked up a civic 2 weeks ago and I have been slowly trying to get the car together.

I have replaced the coolant and bled the system. Once I start the car it smokes a bit, nothing crazy and as time goes on the smoke oed down to less notacible levels. The smoke is white and it does not smell like coolant. Additionally, if I hit the gas while parked a big puff of smoke will come out the exhaust and the go back the the levels it was previously.

I also shot a video of my aviator coolant at idle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrLHep37I4c

Also, while the car warms up fine, I have not seen the fan kick on once.

Because of DST and no garage, I have to wait until the weekend to check the difficult things. The car does not over heat. It seems that the is a leak in the connection at the rear of the exhaust in what looks like a puddle of condensation one ground below.

Anyway, I know people have these issues all the time so we'll see.


Btw - could a bad cat cause issues (2–3k rpm hesitation)

 

nah. A little smoke is normal on a somewhat cold day. Its condensation. If you suspect that its a little more than usual, check for burning oil. Could be that while the car sits, oil leaks through the valve seals and sits in the camber until you start it up.

Also, could possibly be fuel leaking from an injector while its off. Ive had that happen to me but the car would start real rough until it burns all the fuel.

 

Yea i know a little smoke happens on a cold day. The car is never rough, but i need to check under the car, there is a residue/fluid that has formed under it but I cannot tell what is yet...