White Smoke From Corolla Gls Vvti 1.6

[Ahmed Hassan]

Hi i bought a 2001 Toyota Corolla GLS VVT-i 1.6 petrol around 3 days ago. The car wasn't used for around 6 months but was warmed up occasionally.

Im getting white smoke from the exhaust pipe even when the car is warm. I believe it isn't the head gasket because there no milky looks in the oil cap and there isn't any coolant leaks because the coolant level is at max. However with the white smoke is some black water coming out.

is this a problem, should i be worried???

[ToyotaAuris]

As long as there's no coolant loss its fine. It may have some milky liquid because it has not been warmed up and driven much too. All you need to is take it on the motorway and thrash it out for about 45 minutes. That will clear everything out the system and heat the engine up. You will also see alot of water coming out the exhaust. The black substance is just crud inside your exhaust, dont worry about it.

[Ahmed Hassan]

As long as there's no coolant loss its fine. It may have some milky liquid because it has not been warmed up and driven much too. All you need to is take it on the motorway and thrash it out for about 45 minutes. That will clear everything out the system and heat the engine up. You will also see alot of water coming out the exhaust. The black substance is just crud inside your exhaust, dont worry about it.

thanks so much mate. Ill try that out

[oldcodger]

Hmm,, I be a bit suspicious if an old car had coolant at the max mark, ie someone has just topped it up ...?

Do keep a check on the water and oil levels as it could be both or either .

After 6 months laid up then an oil change would be a good idea before 'thrashing it' !

Suggest you first just motor carefully around for 20 -30 mins so the system is fully warmed up and then check whats coming out .

Wonder why it was unsued for 6 months , a mot failure becuase of the exhaust ?

This quote about the 'Steam/Smoke' might help.

White exhaust smoke from your car,
depending on when you see it, can be extremely serious or it can mean
almost nothing. If you only see it when you first start the car in the
early morning when the temperature is low, you have nothing to worry
about. However, if you see it all the time, you can have a simple
problem, or a very serious problem. If the smoke dissipates shortly
after leaving the tailpipe, this means it's actually steam and signifies
a blown head gasket. This is bad. If the cloud isn't too bad and
doesn't dissipate, then you could be burning oil. Depending where the
leak is, this can be very bad or not terribly bad. No matter what, you
should have it looked at.

[Ahmed Hassan]

Hmm,, I be a bit suspicious if an old car had coolant at the max mark, ie someone has just topped it up ...?

Do keep a check on the water and oil levels as it could be both or either .

After 6 months laid up then an oil change would be a good idea before 'thrashing it' !

Suggest you first just motor carefully around for 20 -30 mins so the system is fully warmed up and then check whats coming out .

Wonder why it was unsued for 6 months , a mot failure becuase of the exhaust ?

This quote about the 'Steam/Smoke' might help.

White exhaust smoke from your car,

depending on when you see it, can be extremely serious or it can mean

almost nothing. If you only see it when you first start the car in the

early morning when the temperature is low, you have nothing to worry

about. However, if you see it all the time, you can have a simple

problem, or a very serious problem. If the smoke dissipates shortly

after leaving the tailpipe, this means it's actually steam and signifies

a blown head gasket. This is bad. If the cloud isn't too bad and

doesn't dissipate, then you could be burning oil. Depending where the

leak is, this can be very bad or not terribly bad. No matter what, you

should have it looked at.

the car had been sitting down because the man i bought it from was waiting for the return of his son from australia and he decided to buy a new car. Seemed like very honest nice people from dorset. the car has passed all MOT since 2002 and has a full service history. Immaculate condition. I myself havent driven it ive seen the white smoke while i warm it up for around 20 minutes every other day

[oldcodger]

Well I should still check the oil and coolant levels and see if they have dropped the following morning when fully cold.

As ToyotaAuris said, it may be just the water that collects in the exhaust system and needs a really good run.

Why not fully warm up the car and then take a video of the exhaust and post it up ..?

[ToyotaAuris]

Even when it will be fully warm it will let out smoke i at idle guarantee you. Until you dont take it for a spin it will stay there. Or drive the car for 2-3 days, if the smoke still remains then theres a problem.

[Ahmed Hassan]

Well I should still check the oil and coolant levels and see if they have dropped the following morning when fully cold.

As ToyotaAuris said, it may be just the water that collects in the exhaust system and needs a really good run.

Why not fully warm up the car and then take a video of the exhaust and post it up ..?

ill post one up shortly

[Ahmed Hassan]

Even when it will be fully warm it will let out smoke i at idle guarantee you. Until you dont take it for a spin it will stay there. Or drive the car for 2-3 days, if the smoke still remains then theres a problem.

ill definitely take it for a spin and thanks for the help mate

[Ahmed Hassan]

here is the video i just uploaded

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJj5XQUkLQE

[oldcodger]

Looks like mostly steam to me, did not hear you choking so asume it cannot have been a lot of burning oil.

These cold nights will only make the problem worse.

You say you have not driven it but has anyone else taken it for a good run, 30mins plus ?

[Ahmed Hassan]

nope i havent driven it really. Only a 10 minute test drive in a pitch black village in dorset

[Konrad C]

Hi Ahmed,

Watch the oil level on the engine! Check the oil level with the engine cold before starting or with the engine off for at least 30 minutes. Also monitor the coolant level.
The smoke is normal at this time of year. I notice it on my Avensis 7A-FE engine, but it is is due to the cold damper conditions.
As the car has been stationary for a while, a good service would be a good idea. Then a good run afterwards to clear out the crap in the exhaust.

Nice car though.

Konrad