White Smoke on start-up, but not afterwards

[Kiraush]

At first I was terrified I had a blown headgasket (Really not in a financial position to fix one) but after a bit of searching apparently white smoke for a blown headgasket persists after start-up

So I thought it might have been when the kid at the Gas Station hit Premium rather than super, but to settle it once and for all I thought I would ask you guys.

 

[mcammarn]

Valve stem seals?

 

[Nick M]

Yep, the seals. The smoke quits after running. But as it cools, it is pushed in from the low pressure area forming. You can see it with a bore scope, just to make sure you don't waste a lot of time pulling the head off.

 

[Kiraush]

Valve stem seals?

Yep, the seals. The smoke quits after running. But as it cools, it is pushed in from the low pressure area forming. You can see it with a bore scope, just to make sure you don't waste a lot of time pulling the head off.

Alright, doesn't sound too bad.
Sounds more like a bit of fun to me!

Thanks for your help, sighing heavily in relief that it isn't a blown headgasket

 

[Suprapowaz!(2)]

Are you sure it's not steam? Condensation burning off from overnight? Or does it do this all day after the car has been sitting for a few hours?

 

[jetjock]

I think it was when the kid at the Gas Station hit Premium rather than super...

 

[alvinheu]

could possibly be a blown head gasket waiting for the right time hit u...is your radiator spitting water into your reservoir after a good amount of time driving?? thats what happened the first few times i experience a BHG
not possible that its a valve steam seal cus thatll cause black smoke burning oil

 

[jake8790]

Oil smoke from leaking valve stem seals is blue, and it will be a puff at startup. White smoke immediately after starting cold is a BHG. Steam from the exhaust while warming up is normal.
If you're a cheapskate you can fix a BHG for less than $400 with ARP studs, OEM HG, head resurface and gaskets.

 

[bad88mk3]

why not do a compression test or buy a block test kit to rule out a bhg or rent a borescope and look for signs of collant entering a cylinder.

 

[Kiraush]

It's not just in the mornings, but it isn't consistent.
It always does it in the mornings, but then sometimes it'll do it during the day also (After having already been started that morning)

 

[80083r]

try reading this:

Less snark - more info

http://www.supramania.com/forums/showthread.php?178456-Valve-guides-worn

 

[Kiraush]

try reading this:

Less snark - more info

http://www.supramania.com/forums/showthread.php?178456-Valve-guides-worn

Many thanks I'll give it a read between job sites (love days where I ride shotgun at work instead of driving)