white smoke?

[32oz.]

did a few things to the 91 today. and as i was pulling away for a test drive the lady says she saw white smoke come from the tailpipe. what would cause that?

[toyomoho]

If this is smoke and not water vapor the engine may be burning oil. High mileage Camry’s can have worn valve stem seals. This would cause white smoke during the first startup of the day. Plus some times at later startups if the car has sat a while. Have someone stand by the exhaust when you first start the car up. A defective PCV can cause excess oil burning.

[32oz.]

thanks, ill check into it as soon as i get a buddy to help

[Kep]

And if it was water vapor this indicates that the head gasket is starting to leak. If your coolant level is low or you keep having to top it off this is a clue. There are additives that will "fix" small leaks OK. After a point you will need to replace the gasket. This is expensive if you take it in.

Kep

[mazdaverx7]

Originally Posted by Kep

And if it was water vapor this indicates that the head gasket is starting to leak. If your coolant level is low or you keep having to top it off this is a clue. There are additives that will "fix" small leaks OK. After a point you will need to replace the gasket. This is expensive if you take it in.

Kep

not always true. the by product of combustion is water, thus water coning from the exhaust is normal, as long as its not in excessive amounts. or as long as its not green in color, lol...

[Kep]

In the winter I would agree but in the summer it is usually warm enough that the water vapor doesn't condense (where you can see it) unless it is pretty concentrated. However, that's why I suggested checking the coolant level. It won't go down due to combustion. The two together are pretty suspicious.

Kep

[BakaWill]

what did you do exactly if you used a product like seafoam through a vacuum line then that would explain the smoke. as long as the smoke went away after a little while