White smoke

[TJLC]

When I start up my exmark w/b's sometimes they pour white smoke out of the exuast,lasting about maybe 3-5 mins. The older one and newer one both do this. It seems to only happen on cold starts. Is this normal or something I really need to have checked out?

[Eric ELM]

I see you are from Florida. This is probably just a normal exhaust that we see up here in the cold all the time, but since your not used to it being cold, you haven't noticed it before. I have heard it is abnormally cold down there. You should see the exhaust from an engine at 15 to 20 below zero on a calm day. They look like they are on fire. :)

[TJLC]

Thanks, Eric. Yes it is very cold down here right now. I forgot to mention that a little oil also comes out with the white smoke. I see it on the belt cover.

[SMB]

Are you sure that its oil?

[Richard Martin]

It is normal for one lungers to belch some smoke when they start up if the oil is a little overfull or if the mower is stopped with the carb side of the engine lower than the other side. I would only be concerned if there was a black oil deposit on the aircleaner or the engine smoked all of the time.

[Runner]

It may look like oil, but it's probably just condensation. They spit alot of water in the morning cold.

[carlsmower]

try changing the oil and the spark plug, that should take care of the problem, it's solved it for me everytime i've encounter it