Engine Smoke
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: havelock nc
Engine Smoke
I have a 1978 corvette, when you first start it up in the morning it smokes a little until it warms up. Does anyone know what will cause this? Also the choke sticks. The smoke smells like gas. The engine is a L82 and it has about 86000 mile on it.
Last edited by molldog12; Aug 3, 2007 at 03:28 AM. Reason: would like email notification on comments
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
Let the engine warm up to temp and then inspect the choke to see if it's wide open. If not, it needs to be adjusted or repaired.
What carb is on the car?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
White smoke could be as simple as condensation in your tail pipes which when burning off, creates the white smoke. The blue could be valve seals which have worn. If they are the original ones, this could be your problem. Keep your eye on the coolant level which of course should not drop. If the level remains steady, you should be okay. As for the blue smoke, if it burns off immediately and your spark plugs show no signs of oil (including oil on the threads, I wouldn't be too concerned about it. All this assumes your engine is in good shape and running properly. 
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 44
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From: havelock nc
Thanks a lot for the info, I will have someone check the plugs. It also smokes a little if you get on it hard. I have planned to rebuild or get a crate engine when I get Back from Iraq. I am not happy with the 220 Hp. I would like to upgrade to about 350 to 400 Hp. I just haven't decided if it is more cost effective to rebuild or go crate.
Thanks, Joe
Thanks, Joe
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Thanks a lot for the info, I will have someone check the plugs. It also smokes a little if you get on it hard. I have planned to rebuild or get a crate engine when I get Back from Iraq. I am not happy with the 220 Hp. I would like to upgrade to about 350 to 400 Hp. I just haven't decided if it is more cost effective to rebuild or go crate.
Thanks, Joe
Thanks, Joe
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Sounds like you may have two issues going on. Faulty choke and worn valve seals.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
White smoke could be as simple as condensation in your tail pipes which when burning off, creates the white smoke. The blue could be valve seals which have worn. If they are the original ones, this could be your problem. Keep your eye on the coolant level which of course should not drop. If the level remains steady, you should be okay. As for the blue smoke, if it burns off immediately and your spark plugs show no signs of oil (including oil on the threads, I wouldn't be too concerned about it. All this assumes your engine is in good shape and running properly.
and thanks solider,for being over in the sand box.
