frustratedmom

Hi. I'm new to this site, so if I'm in the wrong place, just let me know 'kay?

So, as title indicates, I have a 96 Civic LX, and for the past week or so, I've had problems starting up the car. It putters before revving up...almost like it's not going to start (eeek!). The first time this happened, I noticed white smoke coming out of the tailpipe. I shut the car down, restarted; it started fine and no smoke.

Any ideas?

thanks,

auto84

iTrader: (2)

white smoke is usually too much gas, as in badly sealing valves.

southpasdena

white smoke would be coolant, and i dont know a lot mechanically, but i dont see how to much gas and sealant valves even go together. White could also be condensation, but as it isnt really cold anymore, i dont see why that would happen.

tinman

Sounds like coolant in the engine. It could be minor, so it accumulates while the engine is cold and blows out when you first start it. Check your coolant level. Maybe time for a new headgasket. Oil would be blue smoke. Also check your oil, if it's fine, it's probably a very small leak in the head. If it looks chocolatey brown you are getting coolant in the oil. Then you HAVE to fix it right away.