Before getting flamed...I'm new and did a search. Found similar problems but not my exact problem...

I bought a stock EK civic hatchback 1996 with 160k miles about 3 weeks ago. I need a daily driver that gets hybrid miles per gallon so don't plan on modding. I'm getting 400+ to the tank so it's doing the job. (mention this b/c there is no power loss or loss of efficiency)

The past few mornings the car has been bellowing white smoke upon start up. It continues to blow white smoke until the car warms up and then goes away. It doesn't do that after parking and restarting (later in the day) just start up in the morning. I've noticed in my rear view but tomorrow I will go for smell test. I live in northern Virginia so it's been cold lately.

To my understanding it could be cracked/blown hg, valves, or something else. The problems I've read didn't specify if the problem continued after warming up or not or after restarting. My issue is only first thing in the morning and stops after warming up. Stock motor and I've already replaced timing belt, water pump, tensioners, oil pan gasket (leak), and oil.

Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.

 

It's been real cold these past mornings. Do a compression test if you must but it sounds normal to me.

 

How is the temp gauge, does it go past half way?

Just for peace of mind do a block test.

 

Temp gauge stops a little below halfway.

 

The smoke isn't the typical cold air morning smoke. It leaves a trail behind me and can be seen in my rear view mirror.

 

So does mine when it's as cold as it's been.

 

Yeah same here, sounds normal

 

you should be okay. when you start up your car and it's cold out, it's normal to have smoke coming out.
if you're that worried about it, perform a compression test and leakdown test. post the results.

 

Ok--sounds like this happens to others. I guess I'm just not used to seeing all this smoke. Thanks for the input.

 

Steam.

 

Condensation buildup in your exhaust when it sits overnight.