White Smoke

[Tummine]

Hey there, since the cold weather set in I've experinced a lot of white smoke coming from my exhaust. Since the head gasket problem is the usual suspect here I'm a bit worried.

Its around -20C/-4F (I think) here, so all the cars around me are smoking too. I don't experience any rough idling. I don't seem to be losing coolant either,
it's definitely taking a bit of oil but nothing too major.
The smoke doesn't seem to have a sweet smell to it either, so I have no idea what's up anymore.

Could it be that the dreaded day has come to me where I need to deal with the head gasket problem or have i just gotten too paranoid :ybrick:

Here's a video too:
Smoke of death Toyota 4 runner 3rd gen - YouTube

That was a cold start. There's still too much smoke even after the engine is warm though.


Cheers

 

[bubbaleenc]

First, I would do what is technically called... The Sniff Test.

Cup your hand near the exhaust tip and let the smoke saturate your glove or hand. Step to the Driver's Side and then smell your glove or hand.

I know this sounds silly, but it will save a LOT of trouble!

If your CEL is not on, you don't hear unusual engine noise, and the exhaust doesn't smell sweetish or burnt sweetish like coolant then you are ok.

Looking at your video, I noticed that the 'smoke' seems to quickly dissipate rather than linger. If it was a blown head gasket it would likely sit closer to the ground and dissipate more slowly - especially in cold conditions.

I'm betting what you are seeing (especially since other vehicles show the same symptom) is the natural byproduct of combustion - Water Vapor - doing the same as seeing your breath in cold conditions.

 

[bubbaleenc]

...in the Southeastern US, we see this a LOT in the winter months due to our higher relative humidity.

 

[audiness]

Are you sure its not just condensation? Once the truck is fully warmed up (tailpipe completely warm after 30mins to 1 hour of driving) , is there still smoke?

 

[Tummine]

Yeah there's still smoke. Not as much though and not that thick. I don't smell coolant either (atleast I dont think I do)

I guess I just got a bit too carried away with the paranoia.

Thanks a lot for the reality check I feel a lot better now

 

[bubbaleenc]

Not smelling coolant is a very good thing!

After the weather changes again, take a look at your exhaust compared to other vehicles. If it looks suspicious or if your rig starts to run rough you may still have something wrong - but for now I think from your description you will be ok! :thumb:

 

[NCrunner2012]

mine does that every cold morning. Its normal