White smoke? Need help.

[Paul Boucher]

Def not from head gasket being blown, you can't mistake that cloud ! Looks like condensation, don't lose any sleep over it ....

The cloud last night was substantially bigger, but it was a lot colder.

 

[brad 66]

like to see some more pictures

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Humiditiy and condensation will settle in the crankcase and the exhaust system. Soon as the temp rises enough to evaporate, then you will see it as whiteish exhaust untill the water is gone.

 

[Paul Boucher]

Humiditiy and condensation will settle in the crankcase and the exhaust system. Soon as the temp rises enough to evaporate, then you will see it as whiteish exhaust untill the water is gone.

I just spoke with my uncle and he said the same. The old oil was not milky, the new oil is not milky, and I don't see a drop in the coolant. If my dad could be here he would probably tell me the same thing, but he can't be, and all I see is the exhaust smoking after my first attempt at an oil change and think to myself, WTF?, did I just jack something up? I will keep an eye on all the levels and consistency for the near future and post updates just to be on the safe side.

I do want to say that this is why I love this site, and my thanks go out to everyone for jumping in with their help and input! I couldn't ask for a better group of people to be able to call on! And I am certain this will not be the last time!

 

[vintage chromoly]

FYI, you should always do your oil changes hot.

 

[Paul Boucher]

FYI, you should always do your oil changes hot.

Thanks, I will probably try that next time. I was reading that it would help the oil drain better and pick up any debris during the drain. I read to run it for about 5 minutes then let it cool for about 15 (I think) so it wouldn't be scalding hot, but warm enough to flow well. Cold it took about 30-45min to drain.

 

[MarPar]

here's mine from a couple years ago...it was around 45* outside and it had been a couple of weeks since I started her.

 

[khryslerkid]

here's mine from a couple years ago...it was around 45* outside and it had been a couple of weeks since I started her.

Mar if you parked the car on level ground, instead of pointing up in the air, it might let the condensation out!

 

[MarPar]

Mar if you parked the car on level ground, instead of pointing up in the air, it might let the condensation out!

 

[69a100]

The cloud last night was substantially bigger, but it was a lot colder.

I guess you've never seen a car do a cold start up when it's about 0* or colder? It makes a big cloud!

 

[WileE]

My best wishes for your Dad.

 

[Paul Boucher]

Yeah I was reading that it would help the oil drain better and pick up any debris during the drain. I read to run it for about 5 minutes then let it cool for about 15 (I think) so it wouldn't be scalding hot, but warm enough to flow well. Cold it took about 30-45min to drain.

here's mine from a couple years ago...it was around 45* outside and it had been a couple of weeks since I started her.

Thanks a bunch! I searched YouTube for hours and it's all newer models, and most are head gaskets! That is about exactly what mine looked like last night. It was 45 degrees as well.

 

[Paul Boucher]

My best wishes for your Dad.

Thanks a lot! It's been tough. He has a rare form of brain cancer, bone cancer, and got MRSA. Been in the hospital since January 11th.

My dad travelled for a living as a plastic mold injection mechanic and we didn't have a lot of time together. Mopars and car shows were the one thing we did as a family. That or yard work. Haha!

I bought this car in August for the both of us. He's only gotten to ride in it a few times. It really sucks. We were never extremely close, my dad is very stoic, but this is one thing that we really bond over. It's really tough. None of my other family lives close, so it's just me and my mom. My wife's family isn't into cars. That's why I reached out on here for the help.

Dad and I were planning to go to Carlisle this year. It will be a miracle if he is even better by then. I am still going to go with my cousins, but it will be hard with him not being there. Just really sucks, but I know it's not in my hands. Only thing I can do is pray and let the doctors do their work.

 

[brad 66]

good luck with dad hope he is comfortable .my dad was a car guy when he passed , he left my a 38 Packard 6 needed more work than I could do so I sold it bought my charger with the money .I lived next door to my dad and took for granted what we had but very rarly do I get in my car and not think of dad .he made me lazy because he fixed every thing for me .its amazing how much you can learn by watching .so every time I do something that I was not sure ,could do I look up .

 

[steve from staten island]

Paul, like all said its condensation. If it was a head gasket it would not be running right and really blowing smoke. We know all about cancer here and your dad will be in our thoughts. Difficult times for your family im sure. Hang in there.

 

[coloradodave]

Paul,
As many have said, that is just condensation. The best advice I can add is that every time you start the car try to drive it long enough for the engine to get up to full operating temperature to evaporate the moisture out of the motor and the exhaust system. I know it is disconcerting to see the smoke but it is entirely normal. Just letting it idle in the driveway is not near as good as actually driving it and getting some RPM behind it. Also, the zinc content is a very important part of choosing the correct oil for your car. Thanks for asking the question...

 

[Dennis H]

Agreed. Relax. Cool conditions and condensation. Even a carb adjustment can effect exhaust. Keep an eye in the oil condition. First changes to synthetic can quickly "scrub components and the first change may need to be shortened. I use Amsoil 10-40 Signature Synthetic. High Zinc.
WIX oil filter.

 

[MarPar]

Prayers for you and your family, Paul. how old is your Pops?

 

[Paul Boucher]

Prayers for you and your family, Paul. how old is your Pops?

Thanks! He's 68.

 

[furyus]

Best wishes, and prayers for your Dad. I agree with all the others. Just condensation. When I was young I didn't have guidance for working on my car. I had a choice. Figure it out, or walk. So I learned. You can learn to work on this car. Just keep asking questions. A lot of smart people on this site.