97, RAV4, 119+, Puff of white smoke every time car is started, not at any other time car is moving or at a stop light. what should I check? :cry:
May 19, 2006 at 12:18 PM
1997 Toyota RAV4 White Smoke on Start
MISU3266
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White smoke indicates you have coolant in your combustion chamber.
I want you to have someone start the car when you have the white smoke problem. Put a piece of white paper over the exhaut.
Start the car. Have the paper there for a few seconds or until the smoke stops.
Look at the paper and then smell it. If it is coolant it will have a sweet coolant smell.
If you are in cold climate and the dew point is high, you will get a wisp of white smoke but it is a rare thing.
Let me know
I want you to have someone start the car when you have the white smoke problem. Put a piece of white paper over the exhaut.
Start the car. Have the paper there for a few seconds or until the smoke stops.
Look at the paper and then smell it. If it is coolant it will have a sweet coolant smell.
If you are in cold climate and the dew point is high, you will get a wisp of white smoke but it is a rare thing.
Let me know
May 20, 2006 at 1:44 AM
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Suggested Repair
Suspect coolant entering the combustion chamber. Have someone start the engine while holding white paper over the exhaust until the smoke stops, then inspect and smell the paper for a sweet coolant odor. A brief wisp in cold, humid weather can be normal condensation.
Conversation Summary
A 1997 Toyota RAV4 with over 119,000 miles produces a puff of white smoke only at startup, not while driving or idling. The expert says white smoke can indicate coolant in the combustion chamber and recommends a white-paper exhaust test and smell check for coolant, while noting rare condensation in cold, humid conditions.