Looking at a 93 Chevy work van with a 5.0 and on start up there is white smoke from tail pipe for a second then it goes away. 180k on motor. What does that mean.
Thanks Brian
Looking at a 93 Chevy work van with a 5.0 and on start up there is white smoke from tail pipe for a second then it goes away. 180k on motor. What does that mean.
Thanks Brian
Most likely just burning off condensation in the tail pipe if it's really white (water) smoke and not oily smoke.
In reply to BoxheadTim:
As Tim says, does the puff hang around in the air for a few minutes after it comes out of the tailpipe, or does it pretty much disappear right away?
The first one is oil smoke and the last one is water vapor (not a problem unless it never stops coming out of the pipe). Oil smoke is also a little bluer than water vapor.
A little puff of oil smoke at startup that stops after a minute of running pretty much just means the rings are a little loose when it's cold. As long as it doesn't smoke all the time, it shouldn't be a real issue. Just check the oil regularly to make sure it's not using any.
Quick test if you think it may be a headgasket getting weak, get the car up to operating temp (so all condensation will be out of the exhaust), shut the car off for 3-5 minutes, then start up again and see if you get the white puff of smoke again.
Burning coolant is white smoke isn't it? Cup your hand near the pipe and smell the smoke. What's it smell like?
Coolant?
Coolant will come out as steam, just like regular "cool morning startup" steam, except it won't stop coming out as the exhaust system gets up to temp. I agree, hold your hand near the outlet and see if it smells sweet.
Smoke is different and won't evaporate into the air nearly as quickly.
I think it's steam. It goes away fast and doesn't smell sweet and doesn't come back on restart. The oil on the dip stick looks good. I'm going to buy it, I just wanted to have an idea what to expect.
Double check the color. All of the TBI engines start leaking oil at the valve seals at about 25k. It just drops a little oil on the valves so it puffs at startup. I've never seen one that didn't puff smoke at startup unless someone put umbrella seals on.
If it were a head gasket, I think you would have more problems. The factory MLS/fiber head gasket doesn't typically go gently, especially at 180k. They tend to either seal or blow big time.
Agree with the valve seals.........all older SBC do it
Just picked it up. Smoke hangs around, so it's probably the oil thing. At $500 it will work for now.
Thanks again Brian
A high mileage 10w40 oil will probably help that if its actually consuming significant amounts of oil.
A puff of smoke from a small block Chev on startup is way, way more common that NOT having a puff of smoke on startup.
15/40 and some STP oil treatment will get you by for years and years. I'd say the valves are leaking a bit.
When the time comes I'd swap in a 350 for that 305. Same cost. Same mileage. Bolts right in.
BTerj wrote: Looking at a 93 Chevy work van with a 5.0 and on start up there is white smoke from tail pipe for a second then it goes away. 180k on motor. What does that mean.
A new pope!
...or... a head gasket failure.
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