a little smoke

[NLCarrII]

Hey Guys,

I have a 1990 325iC

I have recently noticed a light smoke coming out of my exhaust, a few minutes after startup, and lasting only like a mile or so. I only notice it in the morning or after it has cooled down. Here is what I have looked at:

I recently changed my coolant and it is staying level. (50/50 premixed Prestone)
My oil is new, 20w50 and my oil pressure light is not coming on.
I recharged my K&N Air filter as well.
I am not noticing any leaking fluids.
I looked under my oil cap, and at my dipstick and no sign of the oil being milky
My car is not overheating.

I am averaging 24 to 27 miles a gallon
I rarely ever take it over 3500 rpms
No hesitation, runs smooth
Idle RPM @ 6000/65000 (could be because of a hole in CAT look below)

I recently put fuel injector cleaner in my current gas tank, 93 octane.
Also, I need a new catalytic converter, in another post, I mentioned I have a small hole in my current one. I am getting it replaced next week along with a new O2 sensor.

Any Ideas on the cause of the light smoke? Just a bit of condensation left in the CAT overnight?

Thanks,

Nathan

[Ironhead]

Sounds like condensation to me, mine does that especially on winter mornings. Your smoke really grey or blue tinged>? If it looks more steamy its condensation.

[NLCarrII]

its a thin smoke, i guess it looks steamy. with a slight light grey color to it. Still no milky oil or overheating still. Maybe it will go away with a new O2 sensor, Cat and Muffler. My dads mechanic, my dad drives an e21 320i, says that it could be the valve seals getting a little old, but nothing to be too worried about. Just to keep an eye on it.

My check engine light comes on when I turn the car on, but I have not started it yet. Then when I turn it over the check engine light goes away. Does that mean there is a prob with my emissions, or only if the check engine light stays on?

We will see.

Nathan

[Ironhead]

The check light is a system check when u get in, put your foot on the brake and press the check button on your OBC display. If a light on that stays on then there is a problem. Also feel free to give the car a bit, 3500 revs isnt much and needs an enthusiastic drive to prevent carbon build up.

[93BMW325is]

Originally Posted by NLCarrII

My check engine light comes on when I turn the car on, but I have not started it yet. Then when I turn it over the check engine light goes away. Does that mean there is a prob with my emissions, or only if the check engine light stays on?

All cars do this its nothing to worry about, unless the check engine light stays on then you have a problem. As for the smoke your guess is as good as mine. It could be something as simple as condensation like IRONHEAD stated or burning a very small amount of oil on start up, but it doesnt sound like it from the description of the smoke. If the cars performance is staying strong then I really wouldnt worry about it. Just keep an eye on it and if it does get worse bring it to your dads mechanic.

[ANDRÜ]

Originally Posted by NLCarrII

Idle RPM @ 6000/65000 (could be because of a hole in CAT look below)

It idles that high??????

[NLCarrII]

Im sorry, my mistake.

It idles @ 600 to 650rpms

Thanks for actually reading what I wrote

Nathan

[StarkeyT22489]

put lucas in it. shit if that stuff came in a cough medicne i would drink it every day