HELP Major smoke on startup

YemayasMoon · 03-20-2007, 01:06 PM

I have an 89 Sidekick JX, (named Jr.) and he smokes on startup. When I first start him, he smokes; usually a blueish white smoke, for about 2 minutes or so, then the smoke clears, and he runs clear as long as he's warmed up. On days when there is no wind, it is embarrassing, as the smoke cloud is as way bigger than Jr.; I become totally enveloped in it till he warms up and it clears.

Another issue; not nearly as serious, is that the check engine light is flashing... 1 flash, then 2. I have checked the ecm code, and it says that 12 means that everything is ok; this little 12 code flashes as long as I am driving him. Never stops.

Thanks in advance for any advice on my smoking issue, and ecm flash code.

Max · 03-20-2007, 01:27 PM

Are you adding coolant to the over flow jug (or need to)? Sounds like coolant in the combustion chamber via a head crack, gasket or?!? It leaves a steam like white smoke out the exhaust that sort of "hangs" for a while.

That you?

Get the codes screened with an OB2 scanner at the local Auto Parts place for free. It will pin-point the error / problem.

I'm assuming that you have the port under the dash to hook the scanner to.

Shconer · 03-20-2007, 01:34 PM

Being a 1989 I'm pretty sure it's OBDI.

nascarmaniac · 03-21-2007, 06:13 AM

When a vehicle smokes at start up it usually indicates worn valve stem seals. Do you have to add oil every so often?
As for the other problem. It almost sounds like someone left the jumper wire in the diag. plug.

suzuguy · 03-21-2007, 06:59 AM

nascar took the words right out of my mouth.

harrydude · 03-21-2007, 05:47 PM

sell it and buy beer
lol

tman · 03-22-2007, 02:51 PM

Mine does to just a little bit, what is involed, and much does it cost to fix it?

YemayasMoon · 03-22-2007, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harrydude

sell it and buy beer
lol

ok, well I don't think so... LOL

I always keep the coolant levels good, Max, and there's no oil in the radiator, so I don't think it's anything as serious as a cracked block, or faulty head gasket. The smoke is not steam at all. The engine doesn't overheat at all, and he runs great.

Alright, now after reading that it may be worn valve stem seals, (thank you for that input nascar) I decided to put the "Bars-Leaks" Oil additive in it yesterday; the bottle with 2 chambers, and the smoking has virtually stopped when I start it up now. I have only driven maybe 40 miles since putting the Bars Leaks in it, so from that working so well, I would believe that I have worn valve stem seals too. The double chambered Bars Leaks claims it lubricates the seals, so maybe that has worked for now. As long as the Bars Leaks works, I will be happy. I guess when that stops working I will have to start preparing to take the head gasket cover off, and get greasy. Ugh! I'm not afraid of working on a motor, I just hate the grease. LOL

As far as the codes, next day off I will go to my local Advance parts store, and use their OBDI scanner. Thanks for that advice Max. *smile*

Thanks for all the great advice, everyone!

Oh, and I will just go buy a beer, and use Jr. (the Sidekick) to drive me to the store. Don't want to sell him yet. *smile* I'll have one for you, harrydude. LOL