White Smoke

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compact
Joined: Mon 15 Nov, 2010 16:47
Posts: 62

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White Smoke

Post by compact »

I am getting white smoke when I start my Z1 it goes once I start using it, Anyone else get this? Its not the head gasket as no coolant missing and oil is perfect. it also runs and drives perfectly.
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pingu
Joined: Fri 30 Apr, 2004 16:01
Posts: 3412

  M roadster S50

Re: White Smoke

Post by pingu »

I would do a coolant pressure test.
Pingu
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Gazza
Joined: Tue 04 Oct, 2005 20:58
Posts: 9521

  M roadster S54
Location: Romford Essex

Re: White Smoke

Post by Gazza »

White smoke us usually water.
Gazza

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felix
Joined: Sat 02 Jul, 2005 16:25
Posts: 602

  Z1 roadster

Re: White Smoke

Post by felix »

It's not unusual particularly as the weather cools. Water vapour is a normal part of a petrol engine's exhaust; when the exhaust system and engine are cool the vapour is able to condense in the exhaust system and is visible from the tail pipe for a short time after start up. Assuming your coolant level stays constant you have nothing to worry about.
sfh3l
Joined: Fri 02 Sep, 2005 16:07
Posts: 588

  Z1 roadster
Location: Buckingham

Re: White Smoke

Post by sfh3l »

Yup. It's quite a big exhaust system and takes some heating up. While it is warming, your hot exhaust gasses cool and condense, rather like a domestic condensing boiler and you get the whispy steam as a result. I have had a head gasket go in an oily way on a car (not my Z1) and it is like a Formula 1 blow-up. Unmistakable and you'd immediately know the difference. Similarly our old E30 325 blew a head gasket in a watery way and that was very steamy, a bit like Casey Jones. You'd spot that too :-)

I always regard the 'steam zone' time period as a reminder to drive the car gently till it is properly warmed.
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