Lexus400mn

Hi,

I've noticed recently, that when I first start up my sc400 in the morning, white exhaust smoke comes out from both pipes for a little while.

How do I know if it is the valve seals vs. headgasket problems?

It's been around 60 degrees in the morning recently.

Thanks

fwynn

iTrader: (1)

well ur engine/exhaust/ **** like that is just cold.. let it run for a lil while and it disapears.. if not and u always have white smoke.. then ur leaking radiator fluid somewhere

MJHSC400

right-- valve seals smoke is momentary-- the first few minutes they'll just smoke a little (hopefully not much) -- then it goes away--

If it's coolant, it would always be there-- you should see a bit of rust in the exhaust and probably a constant moisture drip at the mufflers--

A REALLY good hint if it's coolant-- the level would be dropping over time--

It's probably light valve seal smoke--

I have the same prob and I just used CD2 for 3000 miles-- now I use Max Life Synthetic with 1/2 quart replaced with lucas oil stabilizer-- I had a slight tick before and now it's gone as well--

The startup smoking is very very little-- I'll see how it does in the cold season, but it never consumes any noticeable amt of oil-- so I never have to add any b/t changes...

ROPADOPA

Dont forget that it could be the checkvalve on the power steering?

Sly Guy Yu

if it's the headgasket u'll have heating problems and compression problems. I'm sure u need new valve seals, but if u have heating problems, get a compression test. If u do have bad compression, change the headgasket and the valve seals at the same time.

MJHSC400

2nd on the check valve for the p/s --

Mine only does it when it's cooler temps out so I know it's the seals-- it's so little though that it just isn't justifiable to fix--