1997 Toyota Celica White Exhaust - condensation?

Tiny
GUITARJUNKIE87
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 TOYOTA CELICA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 127,250 MILES
I recently picked this car up, and I noticed on some mornings when I first start the car, a small cloud of white exhaust smoke that isn't very thick, and lasts maybe 3-5 seconds. The car hasn't gotten hot or overheated, the temperature has stayed normal, the oil level is fine, there are no weird smells, and the only time I see the smoke is when I start the car for the first time in the day. Everything seems fine the rest of the time, as I don't notice anything unusual while driving, or starting it again later in the day. Just when I fire the car up for the first time in the day.

I was thinking it might just be condensation from water that accumulates on the exhaust overnight, but is that normal during the summer? The low temps overnight drop to around mid 50's, but the days are fairly warm. Please, someone let me know if I should be concerned, thanks!
Sunday, July 13th, 2008 AT 4:14 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi Guitarjunkie87,

If there is no coolant losses, nothing to be alarmed.

In the morning when the temp is still low and atmosphere is still damp, it can happen if it is condensation.

If the smoke is slightly bluish or grey, then it could be the burning of engine oil due to worn valve seals. You said the oil level is correct, it might go down after some mileages, and that is what you need to look out for.
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Monday, July 14th, 2008 AT 9:17 AM
Tiny
GUITARJUNKIE87
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you

I've driven the car a little over 600 miles or so since buying it, and the oil level hasn't dropped at all

The only thing that I find odd though is that sometimes, I won't even see it in the morning, and I even noticed it yesterday during the day. It had been sitting for a while, but it was warm and sunny out.

I guess I should keep a closer eye on the coolant then? Maybe time for a new radiator or water pump?

P.S: No blue or black smoke at all, just thin and white
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Monday, July 14th, 2008 AT 2:26 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi Guitarjunkie87,

Yes, keeping an eye on the coolant is recommended.

But if it from the engine, then not just the water pump, coolant and hoses, the head gaskey might be blown and it might take some time for it to really go bad.
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Tuesday, July 15th, 2008 AT 8:51 AM
Tiny
GUITARJUNKIE87
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I should also note that I have been keeping an eye on the oil, it remains the right color (no milkyness), and hasn't dropped beyond a normal rate.

I guess the best I can do for now is keep an eye on everything and get it checked out ASAP
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Tuesday, July 15th, 2008 AT 2:12 PM

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