Smoke

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What color smoke do you see?

• Black smoke
• White smoke that dissipates
• Bluish-white smoke that does not dissipate, but blows away with the wind

Black Smoke

Black smoke indicates a tuning problem, either the carburetor needs adjustment or repair OR ignition problems.

White Smoke

White smoke that dissipates is normally seen when first starting the engine on a cold day. All exhaust consists partly of water vapor, and until the exhaust heats up, it will condense into clouds of smoke.

This type of smoke quickly evaporates as soon as it comes out of the tailpipe, even as you watch it.

Bluish-white Smoke

Bluish-white smoke that does not dissipate indicates a worn engine. This smoke does not immediately disappear like water-vapor smoke, but instead will stay in the air, eventually to drift away with the wind.

This indicates internal engine wear, either:

1. Valve stem seals leaking or worn valve guides allowing oil into the engine. This is evidenced by bluish-white smoke on engine startup, but after 30 seconds, no more smoke is evident. It suggest a cylinder head repair may be needed
2. Engine rings are worn or not properly seated. This causes bluish smoke either when you accelerate (compression rings), OR when you decelerate (oil rings). Either way it suggest an engine overhaul is required.