Gas or Condensation

LHARPER

MEMBER
FORD EXPEDITION

I have a 2001 Ford Expedition XLT, I believe it is a 6 cyl. The truck has 115,490 miles on it. When I got the truck, I was informed that I could use just regular unleaded gas. But, I normally use the mid-grade unleaded gas in my truck, but lately I have been using the regular unleaded because of the gas prices. Sometimes when I crank my truck, a white cloud of smoke comes from the exhaust. This does not happen often, but enough to be embarrassed. I took the truck to a mechanic and he told me that due to the miles, the smoke could come from the condensation. With me being a female, I am not familiar with know anything about condensation from a vehicle. Would you have any suggestions on what may be the cause of the smoke from my truck, the regular unleaded gas, condensation or maybe something else? Please HELP!

2 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

You came to the right place. Your no further behind by doing so anyways :wink:

Check the owners maunaul for the coorect octane to use and stay with it.

Short trips that do not heat up the exhaust will cause condensation. I have not seen a case as you describe howver, not to say it isn't possible. Do you drive short trips?

Usually white smoke is a coolantleak that is internal into the engine. Not to say you have that.

Have you been keeping an eye on the coolant level? And has it dropped at all?