bigwhisgta88

I am just wondering if it is some what normal for there to be white smoke or exhaust if you will after starting my car (88 GTA). I bought it from my XO here in Oak Harbor, WA. I asked around and said that if nothing is leaking ( i have detected nothing) it could be climate change. I checked my oil and it is full and my radiator is full as well. Is there any other things any one can suggest as to what it might be. Thanks.

gcgarner

1st of all, welcome to TGO.

Secondly, this is probably going to get moved to the Tech/General Engine forum by the mods because it's in the wrong spot.

Third, it's caused by bad valve seals and is very common in these cars ... that is, if it is just on startup. If it's pouring out white smoke all the time, then it's burning coolant somehow. Usually not a good thing.

gcgarner

Oh ... and the valve seal issue is not a bad thing, just a little annoying.

bigwhisgta88

i noticed that it is sucking coolant. i filled up the resevoir and it sucks it out of there. I saw on the lower intake manifold that there is some of the gasket missing and that i saw a small puddle of coolant. (it is on the drivers side i saw this). Another person hear a ticking sound and was wondering if that could be a header going out. i also notice under the car near the middle by the exhaut there is some smoke leaking out there as well. Any ideas.

drtask

the leak back by the exhaust, i'd check rear main seal. and ticking will not be a header going out. he might have meant head and to be specific valve tapping. check your valve clearance with a feeler gauge. i'm no v8 expert but those are two things i'd be looking at.