Rep Power: 0

hi, we just bought a used civic and have been working on getting the thing ready for my sister. I already spent 10 hours cleaning the interior / exterior because the last people treated it very poorly. Now I'm trying to check out the engine and noticed that after the engine has stopped the tailpipe continues to smoke a little bit. it smokes as if the thing was at idle still. this goes on for about 30 seconds then stops.

any suggestions as to why? is this normal? what else do you think I should check on the engine.. what typically breaks on an 01 Civic EX sedan

I've already checked the brakes, spark plugs, tires, battery, coilpacks, ECU (diagnostic computer), fluids (except transmission).. car has 90K on it.

thanks everybody!

 
Rep Power: 320

did the plugs have any carbon build up?

Check the oil too. My guess is that oil is blowing by the rings, but that's just a guess.

 
Rep Power: 0

the plugs really don't have any carbon build up.. I just replaced the oil with fresh 5W-20 that it specified and it does the same. If the oil is blowing by the pistons what does that mean.. engine shot? maybe I need to find a compression tester.
I have a can of seafoam to run through it and I'll see what happens. The car does seem unusually slow for some reason. really has to rev sky high to get any power. much different than some other imports.

 
Rep Power: 0

i think thats just the civic......

 
Rep Power: 454

what color is the smoke exiting the exhaust? Black indicates a rich condition, as blue indicates burning oil.

 
Rep Power: 0

the smoke is white. I'll just have to keep driving it for a few days. I still think something is wrong but I just can't figure out what yet. I hate buying used cars

 
Rep Power: 320

Well, honda has always been known to not have much low end torque and more top end power.

If oil is blowing by the pistons, that means the piston rings are bad. You can use a heavier oil to help seal them. But I would wait for that.

White smoke.... go smell the smoke, don't brethe to much, but does it have a sweet smell to it?

 
Rep Power: 0

the engine seems ok, I've been driving it a few days now. Gave the car to my sister and all she could do was complain it's not good enough for her. so, whatever. if it breaks, I could really care less any more.

thx everybody for your help

 
Rep Power: 362

white smoke is antifreeze.