Smoke or condensation?

[crosby50]

I started the car this morning (1989 3.2) and noticed a lot of smoke or condensation coming out of the exhaust. I am famously paranoid about valve guide wear (my mechanic keeps telling me to shut up and drive). It was 33 degrees this morning and many other cars looked like they were "smoking" as well, but I just want to make sure I wasn't burning oil. By the way, when I arrived at my destination I got out of the car and the exhaust was clear. Anyone want to calm my fears?

Also, in another thread someone mentioned that during a PPI the mechanic should check for premature valve guide wear. I was under the impression that the only way to tell is by oil consumption (besides taking the top end apart). Anyone?

[mschuep]

Condensation. Goes away after the first few minutes, pretty much all the cars on the road do it, as you pointed out.

[livi]

To put it in perspective, my parents brand new SAAB 9-3 Aero presented itself with a bit of whitish condensation smoke on upstart this morning. If that is what your '89 does - donīt worry about it. Other symptoms like a hefty oil consumption or continuously smoking after warm up are cause for concern.

[petrolblue83911]

I've been driving my sc every day this month and it will do the same thing in the mornign when it's warming up. white puffs for the first few moments and then it goes away. I drove 1200 miles over the last 3 weeks and used less than a quart of oil so I know I'm not burning badly. If you are using a lot of oil or are seeing blue smoke, then you get worried.

[crosby50]

Thanks all!

[911pcars]

White smoke is condensation.

Whitish-blue smoke is oil.

Sherwood