3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Im just wondering is it normal that even after my car has fully warmed up, I still always see the exhaust gases, especially if i give it some gas. I have the 3vz-fe and i only get 13 mpg, im still trying to figure out why. A lot of other cars like my 02 sienna, the exhaust gases disappear after warming up completely.
Yeah something is definitely not right. Mine occasionally smokes on start up due to some old seals, but after that it's smooth. Usually it only smokes on start up after the car has sat for a while (a day or more) allowing oil to collect. I have a 5 speed manual Camry, I'm not very easy on the gas and no matter how hard I try I can't get below 20 MPG when put putting around town. I've heard that having too much oil can cause your engine to not only become damaged if driven for long periods of time, but you will also get significantly low gas mileage.
Are you sure you don't have to much oil?
Also if it's a whitish grey most likely that is oil smoking out the exhaust...
I guess its kind of whitish - gray?
When its started at like 10 degrees is pretty damn white
All gasoline & diesel engines put out lots of water vapor (H2O and CO2 are the normal combustion products). Normally the exhaust is hot enough so the water vapor is invisible gas but when you first start the car, especially on cold days, it's visible as white fog as the water condenses. If yours remains visible longer than normal as the engine warms up there are a few possibilities:
1) your engine is running colder than normal (might be an open thermostat) - does the heater work well? How high does the temperature gauge read?
2) there's some variation between different engines and exhaust systems as to the temperature of the exhaust. If the smoke is just a little more than some other cars and is only visible on cold days then it could be normal.
3) there might be a coolant leak that's getting into the exhaust (typically from a faulty head gasket). Does your coolant level drop over time? Does your oil on the dipstick look at all milky or chocolate-colored?
An open thermostat should not make your car puff out white smoke. If the car has not been consuming coolant or large amounts of oil, I would suspect a fuel problem. If your comfortable pulling your spark plugs, do so and look for a plug that is gas fouled(black color and wet). This will help you isolate a particular cylinder. If more than one cylinder is gas fouled, you're problem is most likely sensor related. With that kind of mileage, I would suspect a bad injector or malfunctioning ECT. Injector and ECT testing is usually done with an ohm meter. Does your exhaust smell like a gas?
An open thermostat should not make your car puff out white smoke. If the car has not been consuming coolant or large amounts of oil, I would suspect a fuel problem. If your comfortable pulling your spark plugs, do so and look for a plug that is gas fouled(black color and wet). This will help you isolate a particular cylinder. If more than one cylinder is gas fouled, you're problem is most likely sensor related. With that kind of mileage, I would suspect a bad injector or malfunctioning ECT. Injector and ECT testing is usually done with an ohm meter. Does your exhaust smell like a gas?
It consumes neither coolant or oil, but a lot of gas, and it warms up very nicely, stays dead on in the middle of hot and cold once fully warmed up, the heater works very well as well, I do think the exhaust smells like gas quite and bit and im only getting 13 mpg.
When would I need to pull the spark plug and check it?
Before or after driving or just starting?
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Smoke always!
Linear Mode
