Hi I just purchased my 2003 Maxima SE about four days ago.
Its beautiful. Charcoal gray, 6 speed, bone stock. I love it. But i only noticed one problem with it and it started yesterday. Im not too savvy with cars so thats why im jumping on the forum to see some feedback. Its usually in the morning or right when i start the car up. But there seems to be white or grayish smoke coming from the tail pipe. It dissipates maybe six inches after it comes out of the exhaust and doesnt form clouds like most smoke does. Does anyone know any problems that could be causing it? I checked my oil and it doesnt look milky or discolored. Ive heard it might be a cracked head gasket and someone told me it might just be my catalytic converter. Im just really confused and i dont wanna take it somewhere and get screwed over when it could just be a minor problem. Im really frustrated though because I was just about to go out and buy my headers back exhaust, headers, intake, and new ecu upgrade. But i dont wanna do that till i find out more about this. ANY HELP would be greatly appreciated.

 

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_can_c...om_the_exhaust

^---there's some technical answers. Another thing, though - don't most cars have exhaust smoke when it's cold? Same as breathing in cold weather, hot air hitting cold atmosphere. Just something to think about

Someone will prolly come in with a more accurate answer

 

smell it

 

My money is on the typical oil burning issue with the 3.5, so just keep an eye on the oil levels consistently until you know how much you're using. Sounds normal, but you're the one seeing and experiencing it.

 

A video would help us determine if it's normal or if there's something wrong.

Also note the Temperature outside, and if the car is cold in your video or post.

 

 

LOL! There is some validity behind the suggestion. But visual inspection of amount and color is naturally safer!

 

There's a lot of validity to it but if you don't know the difference, or oil is mixed with coolant then you won't really be able to differentiate the smell.

Without knowing the volume the test could be pointless anyways.

 

Yeah I know, just wanted to add that smiley... I was gonna say "that's what she said" but I decided not to.

Usually the vapor that comes out of the exhaust and then quickly dissipates is just water vapor from the exhaust, which is more noticeable in the cooler mornings when the dew point temperature is lower.

 

Yeah, quoted you, but I knew what point you were making. LOL!! Just commenting to the group. Just whoring I guess, I'm done.

 

Ahhhhhhh I feel like such a foooooooooool. I kept track of my oil and everything and i eventually realized that it was just because it was cold outside. Because now that its consistently 75+ outside i havent experienced the problem again. Just me being paranoid about my maxima :P haha

 

congrats man.I've been looking everywhere for a good six speed

 

Sound normal to me

 

well, i'ts nice to see some noobs get their post count up in here, at least.

 

NICE...And Welcome to the Org...