White smoke

Prodigy_1978 · 12-22-2009, 08:34 AM

I have noticed over the past few weeks whiteish smoke coming form my exhaust. I originally thought nothing of it, cold weather perhaps makes the exhaust show more, even so I always think the worst. I have just popped out and stated her up and again a little white smoke. I then revved the car up, tapping the accelerator so the revs are from 1000 - 3000. Quite alot of smoke was coming from the back. on the verge of a cloud

Now the weather is aprox +2 at the moment so it is quite cold how ever this has worried me slightly. Is there any tell tale signs I can look out for? The oil has been topped up around 3 months ago. the car has 105K on the clock, however I am not sure when the last oil change was.......perhaps 90K? would a video help?

nlink720 · 12-22-2009, 11:38 AM

I would investigate along the lines of a head gasket failure. I believe that causes white exhaust smoke, but blueish smoke is burning oil.

Rick F. · 12-22-2009, 06:56 PM

Prodigy,

White smoke generally means the engine is burning water. A head gasket failure can result in water getting into the combustion chamber(s) and burning, although there are other possibilities.

OTOH, water vaper, when you first start up in cold weather, looks somewhat similar. It's less noticeably white, and it should largely go away after the car is fully warmed up. In contrast, the white smoke from burning water will continue before and after warm-up.

Best of luck, and let us know what you find out.

Rick F.

12-22-2009, 08:34 AM	#1
Prodigy_1978 Enlisted Member 13 Rep 42 Posts Drives: Z4 2.2 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cardiff, Wales iTrader: (0)	White smoke I have noticed over the past few weeks whiteish smoke coming form my exhaust. I originally thought nothing of it, cold weather perhaps makes the exhaust show more, even so I always think the worst. I have just popped out and stated her up and again a little white smoke. I then revved the car up, tapping the accelerator so the revs are from 1000 - 3000. Quite alot of smoke was coming from the back. on the verge of a cloud Now the weather is aprox +2 at the moment so it is quite cold how ever this has worried me slightly. Is there any tell tale signs I can look out for? The oil has been topped up around 3 months ago. the car has 105K on the clock, however I am not sure when the last oil change was.......perhaps 90K? would a video help?
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12-22-2009, 11:38 AM	#2
nlink720 Second Lieutenant 19 Rep 231 Posts Drives: 2004 BMW Z4 Roadster Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (3)	I would investigate along the lines of a head gasket failure. I believe that causes white exhaust smoke, but blueish smoke is burning oil. __________________ FS: Leather Recaro Pole Position Seats & Hardware
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12-22-2009, 06:56 PM	#3
Rick F. Lieutenant Colonel 946 Rep 1,910 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 335i cabriolet Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Catonsville, MD iTrader: (0)	Prodigy, White smoke generally means the engine is burning water. A head gasket failure can result in water getting into the combustion chamber(s) and burning, although there are other possibilities. OTOH, water vaper, when you first start up in cold weather, looks somewhat similar. It's less noticeably white, and it should largely go away after the car is fully warmed up. In contrast, the white smoke from burning water will continue before and after warm-up. Best of luck, and let us know what you find out. Rick F.
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