White Smoke

[Anthony Dawson]

Would like some help on a issue I have with my Avensis 1.8vvt-i, I have checked all oil levels and coolent levels and they all seem fine but when driving im getting plumbs of white smoke every now and then, also on start up engine revs to 2000rpm and stays there for a good 5mins, before dropping to around 900rpm

thanks in advance for any advice given.

[gazza1286]

There's a lot of moisture in the air this time of year and as this is drawn into the engine it'll be expelled as steam. Condensation build up within the exhaust system is another cause particularly with short journeys. The revs aren't significantly out of range and the cold and short journeys can delay the engine warming up.

Check the underside of the oil cap for any signs of mayo. But again don't be surprised if there is some residue particularly with the time of year and short journeys. 

It's wise to keep monitoring but don't jump to any conclusions just yet. 

Obviously the head gasket may be at fault  - but this isn't generally a problem with the petrol engine.

These 'faults' aren't related as a head gasket failure would have the opposite effect on the coolant temperature - it would heat up faster and consequently revs would drop sooner.   

[Konrad C]

I would say that right now there is nothing wrong, because every car is doing it here in London. It looks worse on cars like the Avensis, because the exhaust exits on the offside of the car, so looks worse when viewed from the drivers door mirror. This is especially worse when dark in the headlights of a following car. There is a lot of condensation in the air at the moment. Watch the oil and water levels.

The last time somebody had the a similar issue of smoke during the cold period, I replied with the same answer.

The high 2000 rpm is also normal. My old Mk1 did it and my later Mk3 1.8 does it too. Two different engines (7A-FE and 2ZR-FAE) with similar traits. Your 1ZZ seems to be following the trend. Remember the weather is cold and damp right now. I tend to start up and drive away immediately, as I find the engine warms up quickly this way. I clear the windows before starting so it is not left idling long.

As i was typing this gazza beat me to it and explains it a little better too.  

[Exvec]

On These cars and many others when the heater dial is turned to full heat and the blower setting on on full,then the revs will increase ,this helps to warm the Engine up more quickly .HTH.