This is on a 1988 Mazda 323. How can I tell what kind of smoke I'm dealing with?

Question

After the car warms up and is just sitting while idling, there is a little bit of smoke that comes out from the tailpipe. It gradually gets thicker, but never enough to cloud up the driveway and make folks think you are driving a smog-machine.

The smoke has that classic "exhaust" smell that will knock you off your feet if you breathe it for very long. It's not black smoke, but I can't tell if it's white or blue.

Any idea if I'm looking at oil burning or coolant contamination?

Answer 1

Also, try the approach of using your nose (to smell) more as well as your eyes, as suggested by the quote below from the website under Source(s) below:

"TAKE A WHIFF! Sniff around, and you may detect your vehicles problem. The smell of burned toast can signal an electrical short and burning insulation. Have a mechanic come to look at your car. Do not risk driving it anywhere. A rotten egg smell usually shows a problem in the catalytic converter. You will need to take the vehicle in for repair as soon as possible. A thick sharp odor usually shows burning oil. Look under the car to see if there is a leak. There could be a bluish smoke coming from your vehicle, too. This problem needs to be addressed immediately! The smell of gas after a failed start may mean the engine is flooded. Just wait a couple of minutes and try again. If you keep noticing the gas odor, this could be a sign of a leak in the fuel system - a potentially dangerous problem that needs immediate attention. Do you notice a sweet odor? This may show a coolant leak. Watch your temperature gauge, warning light and drive to a repair shop. Now, if you see steam emerging from under the hood, stop and pull over. You definitely do not want to keep driving an overheated vehicle. Your engine will most likely be seriously damaged. Call a tow truck. The basic rule of smell is that if you do notice an unusual odor - get to a mechanic or get one to come to you. Follow these simple guidelines, keep your eyes and nose open, and you could end saving hundreds of dollars in repair!"

Another idea:
Ask auto repair shops and dealerships in your area if they will give their expert views free of charge. You might get some bad recommendations, but if you get enough opinions, you may be able to identify the junk recommendations from the expert recommendations. After all, isn't that what you are doing by asking opinions on this website. The difference is that when a business gives a recommendation, they are putting their reputation and future business at risk if they give junk recommendations.

Hope for the best.

Answer 2

Is it blue smoke? When I had blue smoke coming out of my 626, I had to get a head gasket replaced. $$$$

Answer 3

well if blue its oil, so it may also have a slight sweet smell to it if its coolant too. also if you think its that check and watch for leaks.

Answer 4

it could be that you have a crack in you block or head gasket and oil is leaking into it (white smoke).

Answer 5

by what you said i say it gas smoke,, you getting to much gas,

Answer 6

you might need a new engine man