Re: White Smoke

[Brett Dikeman <brett@pdikeman.ne.mediaone.net>]

My 5kCST and 200q20v both, under the right conditions, produce 
massive amounts of steam out the exhaust in cold weather.  Looks 
really wild.  While up in vermont last weekend, I stomped on the gas 
and caused a little mini-smokescreen that completely obscured the car 
behind me.  Of course, it was also -10 degrees F...


Water is a byproduct of optimal combustion of gasolene and air. 
Various hydrogen atoms meet up with the oxygen in the air.  An 
excellent example of the extreme end of this is that I happened to 
see a local fuzz go after someone.  He had been tucked away, idling, 
for quite some time, and when he zoomed out, a whole lot of water 
came out the twin pipes.  The cold air caused moisture in the exhaust 
from the big V8 to condense, and when he hit the gas, the exhaust 
pressure expelled all the water out of the rear mufflers(or an 
upwards bend in the exhaust.)

My 200q20v, at idle, takes a while in cold weather to start puffing 
water vapor, probably because of the dual exhaust taking a while to 
warm up.

Of course, this could also be a coolant problem, especially if you're 
getting "white smoke" when it's warm out and dry.  I know I'm not 
loosing any coolant, but if your level drops significantly(make sure 
you look at the tank when the engine is the same temperature, this 
will cause a big difference in levels) you've probably got a leak 
somewhere.


Brett


At 5:47 PM -0700 2/6/99, Jeremiah Curry wrote:
> Howdy Audi Fans,
>
>     I have noticed that there is a small amount of white smoke coming out of
> my exhaust even when it is warm.  Also when it's cold my car makes larger
> billows of what I assume is steam than most cars I see.  What could be the
> problem?  Could it be related to the air/fuel mixture?
>
> Thank You in advance,
> Jeremiah Curry

------
Brett Dikeman
brett@pdikeman.ne.mediaone.net
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