White exhaust smoke when idling for 15 minutes plus

[smithy]

Could somebody advise me please. How much should it cost to replace the valve seals on RCZ 1:6 156 2013. I have noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust after left idling for 15 minutes in a traffic jam.tha k you .cheers Smithy

 

[Charlie1875]

Hi mate, worn valve guide oil seals will produce blue smoke out of the exhaust when idling in traffic not white smoke, if it only does it after idling for 15 minutes I wouldn’t worry about it, white smoke could be head gasket issues, is it using any coolant?

 

[Percival]

Loads of posts on here about it.....a hot THP lump seems to produce lots of vapour, different temperature/atmospherics etc at this time of the year seem to enhance this effect from the exhaust. When petrol is burnt large by product is water. (1 gallon of petrol can produce the same in water/vapour says Google)

 

[Kenneth]

It’s just water vapour. Unless your coolant level is dropping then I wouldn’t worry too much. It’s colder now and more obvious but they all do it. Ive seen steam coming out from under the bonnet now and again after I’ve parked up if the roads have been wet. Alarming at first but nothing to worry about there either. Just keep a close eye on your fluid levels regardless

 

[lfe]

When the engine burns oil, smoke comes out when you accelerate after idling. It doesn't take 15 minutes, you just need to accelerate after stopping at a traffic light.

If this happens, oil can usually be lost through valve seals or piston rings.

The smoke can be somewhat blue, but 90% of people won't notice this color and will tell you it's white.

Also, if the smoke is from oil, it smells like burning oil, just like the exhaust of a car with a worn engine.

Water vapor doesn't smell.

 

[Pedro]

Condensates/Steam probably mine did 10 mins in a contraflow yesterday & the car in front & behind me was doing the same so regularly check coolant to make sure all is well another cause is atmospherics apparently