Smoking at startup

Skyman · 08-06-2002, 12:04 AM

No, its not my mustang, but our 86 Chevy Astro van at work.

When I start it up it blows a good cloud of whiteish smoke. It doesnt smoke otherwise. But what is causing that?

Also the motor ticks from the passenger side on and off.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Skyler

TwiLighTBluEGT · 08-06-2002, 12:48 AM

It could just need a good tune up. White smoke usually means its could be burning some coolant. Good luck

Godslayer · 08-06-2002, 05:44 PM

I would suspect there is a small head gasket leak that allows coolant to leak into a cylinder after the can sits for awhile, perhaps overnight. I had that problem with a Dodge Daytona I had.

Bob

Ieatcamaros · 08-06-2002, 08:50 PM

I agree with godslayer on the head gasket leak.

BTW, that squirrels and nuts is funny. LMAO!!

y'all read that if you need a good laugh.

tinner · 08-06-2002, 09:00 PM

I know of two other astro vans that do the same thing .

PKRWUD · 08-07-2002, 12:10 AM

I'm guessing it's the valve guides. Put a vacuum gauge on it, and if it moves a couple inches back and forth at idle, it's the guides.

Take care,
~Chris

8950LX · 08-07-2002, 02:09 AM

Chevy was notorious for using o-ring type valve seals on most of its engines. On a higher mileage motor they almost always leak down when the vehicle has sat for awhile such as overnight. I would suspect that when you start your Astro your smoking problems are a combination of leaky valve stem seals and condensation in the exhaust system. Hence the whiteish smoke only at the initial startup. My wifes 92 Astro van has been doing this since about 80k. It now has 177k on the original motor and the heads have never been off and has never lost any coolant. My brothers 95 Astro has 244k on it, same smoking as you described. Pressure check your cooling system to be sure. Just my 2-cents, hope it helps. Good luck.

Bill

mustangman65_79 · 08-07-2002, 08:13 AM

I also agree with the valves. I would look to see if any oil blows out the exuast when u start it. I know it not good for the motor, but when u first start it up, rev it a few times, u might see oil spray out. My '79 4 cylinder did this.

joe4speed · 08-07-2002, 10:45 AM

I third the valve guides/ seals.

95mustanggt · 08-07-2002, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skyman
No, its not my mustang, but our 86 Chevy Astro van at work.

When I start it up it blows a good cloud of whiteish smoke. It doesnt smoke otherwise. But what is causing that?

Also the motor ticks from the passenger side on and off.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Skyler

Idea's, Yes. It is a chevy. I had problems with one several times. Actually I've had many problems with several I've owned. I fixed the problem when I sold/scrapped/paid someone to take it.

This could be your problem too.

sorry for being a smartass, couldn't resist.

drudis · 08-07-2002, 12:24 PM

IMO, its the valve guides.

Three tests:
1. Park car overnight and it smokes ONLY on start-up = valve guides (or valve stem seals).

2. Run car at 4000rpm in 2nd, and suddenly let off throttle. Smoke is usually valve guides.

3. Run car full throttle, and smokes all the time = rings.

Skyman · 08-07-2002, 02:33 PM

Yeah it smokes only on start up, so if its my guides is it going to pose any immediate threat?

I bought it for only $1500bux, Probably just use it as a beater for around town....

Skyler

08-06-2002, 12:04 AM	#1
Skyman I need 110mph Trap Speed! Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: So, CA Posts: 4,315	Smoking at startup No, its not my mustang, but our 86 Chevy Astro van at work. When I start it up it blows a good cloud of whiteish smoke. It doesnt smoke otherwise. But what is causing that? Also the motor ticks from the passenger side on and off. Any ideas? Thanks Skyler __________________ 2001 BMW M3 6spd 12.79@108 RIP ---- 1993 Notch w/ 98 4V 4.6 Fasttt... -1989 Saleen Mustang #406- 12.32@109 -1999 Black Cobra Coupe- JBA Shorties, Bassani Cat-X, Magnaflow 3", Pulleys, 85mm Pro-M, Ported Intake, Soild Rear w/ 4.30s, Tubular Front End, X2C arms, 13lb batt, few others.

08-06-2002, 05:44 PM	#3
Godslayer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Largo, FL USA Posts: 274	I would suspect there is a small head gasket leak that allows coolant to leak into a cylinder after the can sits for awhile, perhaps overnight. I had that problem with a Dodge Daytona I had. Bob __________________ Negative Mustang @ present time.

08-06-2002, 08:50 PM	#4
Ieatcamaros Domestic Rice really sucks! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: KY Posts: 973	I agree with godslayer on the head gasket leak. BTW, that squirrels and nuts is funny. LMAO!! y'all read that if you need a good laugh. __________________ The sig says it all.

08-06-2002, 09:00 PM	#5
tinner Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: santa rosa ca. Posts: 121	I know of two other astro vans that do the same thing . __________________ 65 fastback Keith Craft 408w 11:1cr AFR205's , Vic Jr. , 750 Speed Demon , MSD Digital 6+ , Aeromotive fuel system , Hooker Super Comp ,Headers , Art Carr roller C-4 w/ 10" converter and trans brake

08-07-2002, 12:10 AM	#6
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	I'm guessing it's the valve guides. Put a vacuum gauge on it, and if it moves a couple inches back and forth at idle, it's the guides. Take care, ~Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

08-06-2002, 12:48 AM	#2
TwiLighTBluEGT Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 157	It could just need a good tune up. White smoke usually means its could be burning some coolant. Good luck

08-07-2002, 02:09 AM	#7
8950LX Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Franklin Park Posts: 10	Chevy was notorious for using o-ring type valve seals on most of its engines. On a higher mileage motor they almost always leak down when the vehicle has sat for awhile such as overnight. I would suspect that when you start your Astro your smoking problems are a combination of leaky valve stem seals and condensation in the exhaust system. Hence the whiteish smoke only at the initial startup. My wifes 92 Astro van has been doing this since about 80k. It now has 177k on the original motor and the heads have never been off and has never lost any coolant. My brothers 95 Astro has 244k on it, same smoking as you described. Pressure check your cooling system to be sure. Just my 2-cents, hope it helps. Good luck. Bill

08-07-2002, 08:13 AM	#8
mustangman65_79 My poor 79 RIP Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Suisun City, Posts: 2,320	I also agree with the valves. I would look to see if any oil blows out the exuast when u start it. I know it not good for the motor, but when u first start it up, rev it a few times, u might see oil spray out. My '79 4 cylinder did this. __________________ '84 mustang GT turbo '85 LTD '89 Camaro Irocz z28 '94 Lightning '96 Trans am

08-07-2002, 10:45 AM	#9
joe4speed He said Member...heh, heh Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Jupiter, Florida U.S.A. Posts: 3,718	I third the valve guides/ seals. __________________ *Joe!* 1988 GT, 13.58@101mph Check out my listing! Click here! Or my website:www.joe4speed.com

08-07-2002, 12:24 PM	#11
drudis Moderator Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Livonia, MI, USA Posts: 1,194	IMO, its the valve guides. Three tests: 1. Park car overnight and it smokes ONLY on start-up = valve guides (or valve stem seals). 2. Run car at 4000rpm in 2nd, and suddenly let off throttle. Smoke is usually valve guides. 3. Run car full throttle, and smokes all the time = rings. __________________ Darius Rudis, Moderator Corner Carvers Delight 1989 Mustang LX - Open Track Car http://www.dariusrudis.com

08-07-2002, 02:33 PM	#12
Skyman I need 110mph Trap Speed! Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: So, CA Posts: 4,315	Yeah it smokes only on start up, so if its my guides is it going to pose any immediate threat? I bought it for only $1500bux, Probably just use it as a beater for around town.... Skyler __________________ 2001 BMW M3 6spd 12.79@108 RIP ---- 1993 Notch w/ 98 4V 4.6 Fasttt... -1989 Saleen Mustang #406- 12.32@109 -1999 Black Cobra Coupe- JBA Shorties, Bassani Cat-X, Magnaflow 3", Pulleys, 85mm Pro-M, Ported Intake, Soild Rear w/ 4.30s, Tubular Front End, X2C arms, 13lb batt, few others.

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