I was trying to search a bit through the archives and try to find an exact scenario like what I was having, and wasnt sure if I found something just like what I have. But on my '87 NA When I crank the car up the car will spit white smoke until its warmed up then nothing. But after about 10 minutes the engine start to overheat. Is this just a typical shot motor deal or are some other considerations I can take a look at first?

 

How often do you have to refill you're coolant?
If the smoke smells sweet, then its probably a coolant seal... In which case, It needs a rebuild.

 

My 88 GXl has white smoke if it's cold out until it warms up. Then again, my 88 vert did the same thing. Normal I guess?

Maybe it's over heating due to a sticking thermostat?

 

Small amount of white smoke is normal. Clouds of white smoke are not normal (like in a 007 movie). Engine overheating is not normal. Sounds like a cooling system issue, possibly bad coolant seals.

 

do the usual coolant seal tests. the fact that it is losing coolant somewhere isn't a good sign though, but white smoke can be condensation in colder weather so it doesn't mean alot.

 

A little smoke is fine especially in cold weather untill it warms up but if your overheating and losing coolant its not good. The smoke clouds will get worse if it hasn't already.

 

my car puffs white smoke as well, on cold start. But only for like 2 sec

 

mine too. Just a little during warm up. Maybe like 6" away from the exhaust. That's normal on all cars I think. But after that I don't have any problems

 

Mine smokes alot when i start it and untell it warms up if its cold out, not like a 007 car smoke screen, but a bit more than you would think. its not burning coolant and once it warms up its fine.