Question about excessive exhaust smoke and rusting stone chips
 

Hello all,

So I bought an 06 5AT non-nav a short while ago. It hasn't had its first maintenance by me yet, the MID still says 50%. I bought it at 89K miles and it is about 92K now.

Anyway, since it is getting colder now, I've noticed the usual white smoke. However, there is a lot of it...should I be worried? The smoke is like if it were 2 degrees out, but it's definitely 40 degrees out....

Second thing: the previous owner had a couple of stone chips which are now rusted. Can I just use touch up paint from Acura (Anthracite Metallic) and it'll be okay...or do I need to worry about this rust? The chips themselves are only about the size of the top of a pencil. I don't blame the guy...I've had a LOT more stone chips since getting the car. Stay out of Newark, NJ fellas...those highways are replete with small stones!

Thanks in advance.

not sure about the smoke but i would just have the stone chips touched up professionally or DIY

Is it continuous white smoke? If it is, you are burning coolant and at worst it could be a blown headgasket. Hopefully it's not that serious, but you may have a coolant leak somewhere. If it smells sweet it's definitely coolant.

Or if it doesn't smell or smells like fuel, it's running rich.

Oh snap. I'll have the dealer check it out when I take it in for the oil and ATF change. I have an extended warranty, so I should be fine if it is the headgasket.

It's probably normal. Check the coolant level and smell the exhaust for a sweet smell like was mentioned above. If it's only when cold chances are it's not a headgasket.

how long does it smoke? is the oil level low? and the coolant level in radiator and res bottle?
You dont want to be driving around low on either, and low levels tell you if there is a real problem

I would seafoam the gas tank and intake- gas at 1 can to 1/2 tank for cleaning strength and a can for the intake vac port
92kmiles you are ready for spark plugs too, do them a few days after seafoam so its a good clean place for the new plugs to work
use ONLY NGK Iridium- thats whats stock and does work best

If the car is/was driven mostly short distances- under 10 mile trips, it needs a good freeway run at least once a month to fully dry all the moisture in the exhaust, 45 minutes at legal speed is needed to do it--thats in the owner book.
Condensation is killer~ not all things are warranty covered!

exposed metal will rust quickly- get some touch up paint on there immedialty to get thru winter then fix it all
If possible, install a plastic ClearBra /3M type product to the nose--it really protect the car--see internet for more info
avail in 3- 6 or 8 Mil thickness!

Thanks man. The oil level is fine, as are the other fluids. I am beginning to think that this might be normal...I smelled the exhaust today and it smelled fine. I'll attempt the seafoam soon. Perhaps I'm just overly cautious with my new ride :toocool:

As for the way it is driven, I drive about 70 miles a day, mostly on the highway (NJ Turnpike, etc). I actually just drove here literally 10 mins ago and incurred some new chips on the paint and the windshield! DAMN this road. I ought to sue Newark for their dirty roads! :whyme:

look online for 3M clear bra and at least get a pice on the front of the hood- DIY
In the spring it can be removed and redone without damage to painted surface

touch up paint on those chips right away!
carry a bottle~
use rubbing alcohol as a prep wipe, then paint
when dry apply wax

70 miles a day- throw a can of seafoam in 1/2 tank today and see results tomorrow
2 cans in full tank will really do a good job

Hey guys, thanks for all of your help :thumbsup:.

If you were wondering, here are two pics of the two largest stone chips...the others are smaller..MUCH smaller.

This is right by the headlight:
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/992...nechip1.th.jpg

This is towards the top of the hood, by the wipers:
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/7...nechip2.th.jpg

BONUS PIC! Just a dirty car:
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/7...irtyjpg.th.jpg

I'm getting it fully detailed and waxed next Saturday...it makes me cringe to see the car like this!