matrix11229

I changed my oil at Mobil 1 station and the mechanic told me he put 5 quarts of 10w40 in it. (I usually put 4.25 quarts).

So today I noticed a little bit of whitish smoke coming out from exaust.(The car was driven 10 miles and the engine was warm).

I have no codes and I know that my car didn't burn any oil before because the oil level was steady for 6 months before oil change.

Also it's 40 F outside and it's not that cold for smoke to appear.

What could be the problem ?

2da mizzax

iTrader: (4)

white smoke = head gasket (white smoke = coolant)
oil burns blue and 5 qts is fine even though the manual calls for 4.25. check your radiator, the resevoir may be full but I bet the rad is low.

matrix11229

I checked the radiator when the oil was replaced last week. The Rad was full but the reservoir was low so I filled it up.

2da mizzax

iTrader: (4)

check it again now. It wont empty out right away or you would be seeing billows of smoke. The res was low because it refilled the empty rad.

samito

iTrader: (1)

that smoke looks like condensation

Maximus_95

iTrader: (8)

try smelling it.... my car smelled like burnt coolant, i took out all the sparkplugs and cranked the car....bad news... on cyl#2 coolant just shot out.
I had to replace my motor.
take a sniff, and see what it is...
have you had radiator fluid running low often?

Trajiksmax

That's your car running rich because it is cold out . Why didn't you let this so called "mechanic" know that he put the wrong amount in? Does your exhaust smell like burnt oil? If not it is most likely condensation. Simple fix, drain extra oil if it is too high on the dipstick.

willard00

iTrader: (1)

its deffinatly NOT oil. when a car is burning oil its blue. white is burning coolant. but with such little amount of 'smoke' i would have to say its just because of the cold weather. (400+ degree exhaust meets 40 degree air...think about it)

crazy97

iTrader: (1)

If the white smoke disapears shortly after coming out the tailpipe, your ok. If the white smoke floats up into the air and won't disappear, you have problems.

matrix11229

The radiator fluid was never low, only the coolant reservoir level reduced from high to low after 6 months, I think it's ok.

The exhaust doesn't smell like burnt coolant , it smells like regular emissions.

matrix11229

I went to pay for the oil change and when I came back he was pouring the 5th bottle in so I said wtf are you doing it shold be 4.25 quarts , so he said "don't worry there is no car that doesn't burn oil , I always put more".

I hope the smoke is just condensation

Is this gonna make any damage if I will drive with 5 quarts of oil ?

Trajiksmax

I don't think it will damage anything per say. The oil could possibly get tiny air bubbles in it causing it to froath up. Always better to have alittle under full than to have over full. This link is very helpful www.bobistheoilguy.com

crazy97

iTrader: (1)

Does the smoke disappear?

I never put more than 4 qts in and it always reads full with 4qts.

2da mizzax

iTrader: (4)

One should know the difference between smoke and steam (I would hope).

crazy97

iTrader: (1)

I would hope so! I don't think matrix can see my post though. It might have disappeared!

andrei3333

what about during hard acceleration?
i see honda civics smoking for a few seconds while trying to race someone. The smoke seems kinda dark not sure if black or blue.

i assume this is carbon burning and is a good thing because the engine is getting clear, but bad because there is carbon in the first place right ?

99BlackMaxMS

iTrader: (85)

I think that it is unburnt fuel being shot out the exhaust, but correct me if I am wrong. (because civics have 5" mufflers on their ricerockets....)

matrix11229

Yeah it disappears

matrix11229

It looks like smoke 100 % positive, very light white color. It's hard to notice because it's clear and there is not much smoke.

I Just checked the radiator and reservoir and they are full.

crazy97

iTrader: (1)

I think your car is ok.

MOHFpro90

iTrader: (11)

I agree with crazy...if it disappears, it seems like steam. Like on a big rig, the black smoke floats up and away, not disappearing right out of th pipe. Thats when you've got issues.

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

Condensation is a by-product of combustion. There is nothing wrong with your car. Condensation can be seen even on warm days. Pay attention to some of the exhaust of other cars and you'll see the same white condensation smoke coming out of their tail pipes.

JHASS

I have a 01 Maxima and it smokes a bit when up to normal temp and its not a lot but its constant. It is 30-35 degrees out... The only thing is the smoke when the car is not moving just floats up? What can be the cause?

2da mizzax

iTrader: (4)

This is getting rediculous. Your have a 5th gen and bumping a thread from early 2007. they should make your minimum 25 just for that.

jordandalley

don't give the n00b a hard time man. He's just trying to find the best way to ask a question without being off topic. Who cares if he has a 5th gen? Still got practically the same engine in it.

kzoosho

iTrader: (16)

Very true. But a old thread bump is retarded. They can search now.

matrix11229

My car is ok now. Make sure you don't overfill with oil. Now I pour 4 quarts, drive a few miles and when then engine is cold I add a bit more until it's full.

ROCKART

iTrader: (23)

they say 4.25 with a filter in the manual on my 97

JHASS

I am posting in an OLD thread is because I DID search and this is the one that came up!!! I know I have a 5th gen but I have ALREADY posted there & NO ONE has said one word!!! So before you think someone is a noob/idiot or lazy get your facts straight!!! I am just a guy who is worried about his car... I thought this was a place for people who need advice & help... Guess not