Did you ever notice a gust of smoke coming from your exhaust pipe during start-up and then disappearing almost immediately?
Even though it is common to neglect this problem because the smoke disappears so quickly, it is a cause for concern. It indicates that the vehicle will likely develop a problem and need to be inspected urgently.
This article will enlighten you on why your vehicle puffs a White Smoke On Startup Then Disappears and solutions to this issue.
Let’s get started.
What Causes White Smoke On Startup Then Disappears
A White Smoke On Startup, which then Disappears, is caused by the accumulation of water in the exhaust pipe or a faulty head gasket that has caused the engine to use up all the vehicle’s coolant.
Whatever the reason might be, it should not be neglected, for it shows a fault in your car that you should treat with proper and immediate attention.
You should know that it is a serious problem when you see white smoke coming from your exhaust after igniting your car.
However, if you experience this, do not be frightened; instead, observe what happens after.
The Puff may disappear after a while. If that happens, it could have resulted from the exhaust pipe collecting steam due to the combustive energy.
Similarly, there is also a possibility that you may find a huge puff after 5 minutes. If that is the case, it must be investigated immediately.
Other Causes of White Smoke On Startup Then Disappears
Below are reasons why your car puffs a white smoke on start-up, which then disappears:
- Water in the Exhaust Pipe
- Coolant Leak
- Valve Seal or Piston Ring Leak
- Internal Engine Issues
- Bad Fuel Injector
- Wrong Pump Timing Injection
- Dirty Air Filter
- Low Transmission Fluid
1. Water in the Exhaust Pipe
If you see White smoke from your exhaust pipe in cold weather, this can be caused by the temperature, although it is not an alarming issue.
If the frost gets dry, the smoke is likely to disappear, it will go away, and your car should return to normalcy.
However, when your vehicle releases a white smoke at normal temperature, it can be an internal indication that your vehicle requires attention.
2. Coolant Leak
If your vehicle emits white smoke on start-up then disappears, it could indicate that there has been a coolant leak.
Coolant Is Responsible for Reduction of Engine’s Temperature. The function of the coolant is to provide an acceptable or lukewarm temperature to the engine.
It also performs the role of a lubricant to the internal units of the car to make sure they are working correctly.
If there is a leakage in the engine’s cooling system, the engine won’t have enough coolant to cool itself, which causes overheating to the car’s engine.
Also Read: Coolant Reservoir Empty (Causes & Fix)
3. Valve Seal or Piston Ring Leak
If your vehicle’s piston ring or valve seal is bad or has an issue, it can cause a puff of white smoke on start-up then disappears.
This issue allows free oil flow, which mixes with the fuel inside your combustion unit.
If this occurs, it can cause a stall in the internal combustion engine’s air to fuel range which supports the turning on of your car.
If you observe a white smoke emanating from the exhaust pipe, take your car to a professional technician for a piston ring or valve seal check-up.
If you decide to do the maintenance personally, look at the reservoir for oil and the coolant unit to see if it is working well. If you get an abnormal result, you can tell the cause of leakage.
4. Internal Engine Issues
White smoke on start-up, which then disappears, can also be caused by internal engine issues in your vehicle.
The top of the cylinder inhabits different units like the intake or exhaust valves that aid in the circulation of the coolant.
Therefore, any tear or hole can cause leakage and harmful prevention of the engine.
An imbalance in cooling frequency causes your vehicle’s engine to overheat due to increased temperature and friction.
This also can cause a faulty gasket if not given proper and immediate attention.
5. Bad Fuel Injector
The fuel injector transports the gasoline to the combustion unit, which uses it to generate the needed energy for the good performance of the vehicle’s engine.
If the fuel injector develops a problem, it will not distribute the adequate or correct measure of gas to the combustion unit, causing White smoke on start-up, which then disappears.
6. Wrong Pump Timing Injection
A fuel pump is required to be accurate and punctual in its timing. In this manner, pumping fuel into the combustion unit is done when it is lighted up and transformed fully into power.
Delaying the prompt injection of fuel can cause the inability of the combustion unit to light up the whole quantity, which leads to the leftover compounds evaporating from the exhaust pipe and forming a white puff of smoke when the vehicle is turned on.
7. Dirty Air Filter
The air filter must prevent dust from the surroundings when air passes through the combustion engine to penetrate it.
However, continuous use of the filter may reduce its efficiency with time.
The filter’s accumulation of dirt will attract more dirt from the atmosphere into the engine.
This alters the quantity of fuel distribution, which brings about the emission of white smoke from your vehicle’s exhaust.
8. Low Transmission Fluid
If you notice White smoke on start-up, which then disappears, it may be due to the transmission fluid.
It may indicate that the engine of your car is consuming too much transmission fluid from the hose or vacuum pipe.
The consequence is that your vehicle will have an excessive oil intake and cause a different burning odor.
If you turn on your car and the white smoke immediately disappears, it could result from a punctured coolant.
Coolants stabilize the degree of coldness or hotness and maintain a permanent level. In addition, it assists in lubricating the parts to help the car move without difficulty.
Also Read: Transmission Fluid Colors & What They Mean
How To Fix White Smoke On Startup Then Disappears
After finding out the reason for the white smoke on start-up then disappears, it is necessary to solve it before it escalates to a bigger issue.
It is advised that you bring your car to a professional mechanic; but if you decide to do the fixing yourself, below are a few steps or methods to help you:
- Inspect & Replace the Intake Gasket
- Replace the Head Gasket
- Examine the Cylinder Head for Cracks
- Check the Fuel System
- Perform Routine Piston Maintenance
1. Inspect & Replace the Intake Gasket
The first thing to do to fix white smoke on start-up, which then disappears, is inspecting the intake gaskets and replacing it if it is bad.
It is important to remove the intake manifold to repair the intake gasket. A damaged intake manifold or intake gasket indicates that the unit needs repair, which will fix the issue.
2. Replace the Head Gasket
The cylinder is covered by the head gasket, which stops fluid coolant from escaping into the cylinder.
These gaskets may be punctured or reframed through the liquid lines transporting the necessary cooling liquid.
Whatever the case, the cooling fluid can escape the combustion chamber and form a white puff of smoke during start-up.
If you check and are sure that there’s no fault with the head gasket and it is covered without holes or tears, proceed to inspect the cylinder head.
Also Read: Valve Cover Gasket (Everything To Know)
3. Examine the Cylinder Head For Cracks
The head gasket connects the cylinder head to the engine block; it is an intermediary between them.
The high temperature in the car can cause it to burst. Additionally, there is a lot of friction between metallic parts.
A head gasket replacement costs about $500 for labor and parts. If you choose to mount the head yourself, it will range from $200-$400 for the parts only.
If you opt for the labor option, its price will be within the range of $100-$90 per hour, which will be more expensive. This can reach a total of $500, depending on the make and model of your car.
4. Check the Fuel System
The fuel injector is a component of the fuel system band and the injector outlet for fuel. If there’s an issue with the parts, the fuel supply into the car will not be quick and accurate. This can lead to your vehicle emitting white smoke.
It is important to check the fuel system for efficiency to confirm that the gas transfer is done accurately. You can do this at a maintenance shop or do it yourself.
5. Perform Routine Piston Maintenance
It is easier for piston rings to be rusted due to frequent friction with fuel. It often requires cleaning and constant check-up to make sure they work effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions – White Smoke On Startup Then Disappears
Why Does My Car Smoke White When I First Start It Up?
When your car emits a white smoke when you first start it up, it is usually caused by the accumulation of water in the exhaust pipe or a faulty head gasket that has caused the engine to use up all the vehicle’s coolant.
Can Low Coolant Cause White Smoke?
Low coolant can cause your vehicle’s head gasket to become damaged, and if that happens, it can result in white smoke emissions from your exhaust.
Can Bad Fuel Injectors Cause White Smoke?
Yes, bad fuel injectors can cause white smoke from your car. If the fuel injectors get bad, fuel won’t be injected into the combustion unit, resulting in the emission of white smoke from the exhaust.
Does White Smoke Always Mean Blown Head Gasket?
Smoke from the exhaust is usually indicative of a faulty head gasket. It means that the engine has been using up the coolant, which escapes into the combustion unit. An assessment is conducted to determine if any hydrocarbons are present in the coolant between the radiator. It is primarily a sign that a head gasket has become faulty.
Conclusion – White Smoke On Startup Then Disappears
A White Smoke On Startup, which then Disappears, is caused by the accumulation of water in the exhaust pipe or a faulty head gasket that has caused the engine to use up all the vehicle’s coolant.
This white smoke may be coming from your car’s exhaust pipe, but it may be hard to observe since it disappears quickly.
If these symptoms are present in your car, you should not ignore them, as there is a problem that requires immediate attention.
It can be due to the atmospheric condition or the state of the air filter if it is unclean, which is simple to fix.
In some cases, it may indicate an internal issue with your car’s engine. Though it may begin once your vehicle starts showing signs of smoking, it is advised to review it as a sign of damage or harm.
If you want to avoid long-term problems and issues that cost more and are more dangerous, resolve the issue as soon as possible.