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Is white smoke always bad?

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Old 08-11-2009, 07:07 PM
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Originally Posted by speedmeister' post='973032' date='Aug 11 2009, 08:00 PM
Take it to the dealer. Mine had white smoke... I forgot what the issue was, but it wasn't cheap.
+1
Take it in while it is still covered!
Old 08-11-2009, 07:09 PM
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Originally Posted by speedmeister' post='973032' date='Aug 11 2009, 08:00 PM
Take it to the dealer. Mine had white smoke... I forgot what the issue was, but it wasn't cheap.
From my service history:

"crankcase vent valve saturated with oil.. replaced crankcase vent valve and hose to intake manifold.
Old 08-12-2009, 08:17 AM
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I think the key here is humidity - it is normal on humid days to notice water vapors (white smoke) exiting the tail pipe. The exhaust system is metallic and subject to condensate. However, a couple of points. It was a small, but noticeable amount? Was yesterday as humid a day as that when the problem was noticed? Have you noticed any unusual oil discoloration (as in a milkshake appearing mixture in the oil)? At this point, it sounds normal. As the day warms and progresses, see if you notice the issue. If the problem doesn't exist in the afternoon/early evening after the car sits for a few hours, then you can be reasonably assured it's simply a matter of humidity.
Old 08-12-2009, 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by advancedlogic' post='973726' date='Aug 12 2009, 12:17 PM
I think the key here is humidity - it is normal on humid days to notice water vapors (white smoke) exiting the tail pipe. The exhaust system is metallic and subject to condensate. However, a couple of points. It was a small, but noticeable amount? Was yesterday as humid a day as that when the problem was noticed? Have you noticed any unusual oil discoloration (as in a milkshake appearing mixture in the oil)? At this point, it sounds normal. As the day warms and progresses, see if you notice the issue. If the problem doesn't exist in the afternoon/early evening after the car sits for a few hours, then you can be reasonably assured it's simply a matter of humidity.
+1

I agree, it's probably nothing at all to be worried about.
Old 08-12-2009, 01:28 PM
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I definitely wouldn't waste my time wondering what it is... If it were me the car would have been at the dealer on my first experiences of seeing white smoke from your exhaust.
Why risk potentially permenant damage by waiting to see if it happens again.
Old 08-12-2009, 01:43 PM
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Post up a video clip so we can be sure of what type of smoke you are seeing.
Old 08-12-2009, 01:54 PM
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definitely expensive if the warranty is cooked. head gasket, rings? anyway, not good
Old 08-12-2009, 02:50 PM
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Thanks to all who posted. It's probably nothing, but I am having the dealer check it. At least it will be in their system, in case it gets worse after the warranty expires.
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