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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

I third the valve guides/ seals.

Re: Smoking at startup
 

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.

:D

sorry for being a smartass, couldn't resist.

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.

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