A little white smoke

[Chopper01]

All, having done a very short journey (1 moile) having wermed up properly on previous journey I noticed a little white smoke coming from exhaust of my Tam. Not a lot but enough for me to noticve in my rear view mirror as I reversed into a parking space. What's the cause...?

• Braces self*

[S6PNJ]

White smoke would normally indicate water, so a possible head gasket failure but before you worry about that, it could quite easily be condensation in your tail pipe/exhaust 'burning' off as the system gets warm. You'll know if you've got a blown head gasket as you can check for oil in your water (filmy substance floating on top) or water in your oil (mayonnaise on your dipstick). If I've got anything the wrong way around or incorrect, I'm sure someone will be along to correct me shortly. As long as you're not consuming water from your header tank, I'd not be too worried.

[-Jamie-]

S6PNJ said:

White smoke would normally indicate water, easily be condensation in your tail pipe/exhaust 'burning' off as the system gets warm. As long as you're not consuming water from your header tank, I'd not be too worried.

wat he said

[kevin63]

I aggree with the above things to check.
Another thing to note. When I used Mobil 1 0w-40 it burnt oil fairly quick and I now use the 15w-50 Motorsport and it does not seem to use much at all.

[Chopper01]

Thanmks chaps. Checked both water and oil but both seemed to be ok. Took her for a run today and all was well When putting her away for the night tonight I noticed white smoke again. had a look in the exhausts and there was some water lying just inside the pipe. Healthy or not?

[S6PNJ]

Depends on how long your run was and how much water (condensation plus car washing) is in your pipes. I doubt water would be condensing in your pipes if is was 'burning' in your engine. If it was, you'd certainly notice a water loss from your header tank!