Cold morning exhaust smoke from tailpipes???

1BADT

TurboHolic
Joined
May 24, 2001
I have noticed that during the cold months my car seems to have more noticeable exhaust smoke coming out the tailpipes. There are times when I am waiting at lights and dont see much exhaust smoke from other cars but mine seems to be pouring out. Could I be running very rich? Or is this just typical of Turbo Buicks? Any opinions are greatly appreciated, Thanks...
 
Black smoke = rich condition (too much fuel)
White smoke = anti-freeze (blown head gasket) + smells "sweet"
Bluish white smoke = oil (rings / valve guides / etc.)

But what you're describing is perfectly normal. Water is a by-product of combustion. Without a catalytic converter you will see even more vapor. My car will actually blow "smoke" rings while idling when it's cold in the morning and the wind isn't blowing.

If you only see it on cold days....nothing to worry about.

John
 
When hydrocarbons (fuel) burn, the products are carbon dioxide and WATER. In the cold winter air, your seeing the water vapor. The colder th exhaust system, the more you will see.

HC + O2 ----> C02 + H2O
 
No weird colored smoke, just vapor... I figured it was normal but I seem to stick out like a sore thumb, ha, ha...
 
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