Today I noticed that my s13 240sx puffs out just a wee bit of white smoke when i change gears. However it does not last long. I am thinking it is white in color because i am running too rich(gas smoke). So the only solution i can think of is changing my spark plugs and wires(in case there is an issue with the wires or plugs where the engine is not getting enough spark to ignite the fuel). Any other suggestions guys? By the way my engine is completely stock at the moment.

 

white smoke is not fuel smoke... white/blue smoke is from burning water or oil... black smoke is from fuel... if it is white/blue smoke as you said it could be valve seals or piston rings... keep an eye on your oil to see how much it is burning... there is no easy fix for this situation... also check your radiator to see if it is low... make sure you fill it up... drive the car for a while and see which goes down... oil or water... if it is the water that keeps going down you might have a bad head gasket... if it is the oil then it will be time vor a valve job or a rebuild...

 

I see, thank you. I always thought oil smoke was black? oh well. I see you're from knoxville too. small world, so am I. I moved though but im going back there in a couple of weeks to pick up my 240sx. Hopefully I can fix the smoking issue. Also, if it were a bad gasket or piston rings issue, wouldnt it smoke all the time instead of when changing gears?

 

rings or valve seals are under more stress when letting off the clutch and making forward progress... like when you first take off from a stop light or when shifting gears... it has something to do with the changing in engine speeds and more technical stuff... but it will get to the point where it will smoke all the time if the problems are not fixed soon...

 

I see, thanks for the help. Can you recommend a local shop that can rebuild or do a valve job(if thats the problem) that isn't too expensive?

 

smith machine shop in lenor city area can do it he is expensive from what i have heard... i have yet to talk to him about it but others who have had work done there swear by the guy...

 

Thanks again wikd, I might look him up.

 

If its white with a blueish tint then yea its oil. If its just pure white then its antifreeze.