I've searched and read all the threads I could find on white smoke, particularly on start up. The explanations ranged from bad or worn seals to "all rx'7 do this if they have been sitting a while."

So let me explain what my car does, and maybe someone can tell me if this is normal behavior or something more serious. The car is a 89 GXL with 111k, all stock, decent shape, just bought it a few months ago.

If started on a daily basis it doesn't put out much smoke if at all. When left sitting for 4 or 5 days it will start up fine, doesn't smoke right away, but when it gets up to normal temp it all of a sudden puts out a bunch of white smoke, this lasts for a couple minutes, clears up and goes away. I have taken the radiator fill cap off the entire time, varied the rpm and watched for bubbles, nothing. I wondered if the delay could have something to do with the thermostat opening up when the car gets to normal temp. I don't know I'm baffled, is this normal rotary behavior??

thanks for your help

 

does it smell like gas

 

no, didn't really smell like gas to me. I would think it would be pretty unmistakable if it was. Doesn't gas burn off as dark smoke, like when it's running rich?

 

i have the same issue. it is not all the time and happens briefly after start up and goes away after a little bit. as far as I know and this is what i got from a reputable source, if you are idling fine and do not go over burning more than a quart every 750 miles it is most likely a bad BAC, which is not that bad. either live with it which I am or replace it from a junkyard since the dealer will ask for your first born.