Question about temporary smoking at startup
 

Pelicans,

Looking to determine significance of the condition below-

Without having a thorough diagnosis by a shop, I am seeking to get a general consensus on the usual cause for the often cited "car smokes at first start but then is fine" in classified postings.

Question is specific to pre-'84 cars.

My thought was it was due to oil leaks dripping on exhaust components after car has sat for a while or overnight. Requiring engine out and re-seal?

I am speaking of smoke from under the car not coming out of exhaust.

Trying to gather a mental list of possible causes prior to having PPI done.

Thanks for any comments.

Pretty sure it's oil dripping on the exhaust system. Look for funny smells in the car, it may occur in a case like this car and it's not nice at all...

So you are getting smoke at start up and not from the exhaust? If the car is stone cold the exhaust should not be hot enough to burn off oil. A little puff from the exhaust is quite normal but will quickly clear up.

Have you seen the car or are you asking questions only based on the ad?

What Bob sez. It could be simple (valve covers) or it could be worse. Get 'er up in the air and 'ave a look.
-C

Thanks all,

It was told to me by the owner and I have seen this condition described in ads for a few cars for sale on the forum here.

Getting it up in the air probably will shed more significant light on whats going on.

Not excited about pursuing a car that needs a re-seal right off the bat or living with a significantly smokey exit every time I take it out. I'll see if I can ID where the source is upon seeing the car.

Just to clarify a bit, the smoking was upon taking off after brief warm-up, so the exhaust system I imagine would have some external heat present. Supposedly goes away after driving the car for a few minutes.