greyish-smelling smoke from ehaust

[bmwpelican]

hey guys ive recently noticed my check engine light went on about 5 days ago and now im getting smoke coming out of my exhaust pipe. it happens while im driving as well not just stoped at a light or when the car starts up. is this a serious problem that i can fix? or am i looking at an expensive job at the mechanic? thanks

[b.u.ti-ful]

You should probably have a compression test done right away.

I'm thinking head gasket or piston rings.

Does it seem like steam or bluish burning oil smoke?

[b.u.ti-ful]

If you are using a lot of oil (be sure to check it today!) you are burning it and it is smoking out the pipe.

But, if it is steam coming from the pipe you are burning water from the cooling system and your engine could seize.

[aceyx]

White, sweet-smelling smoke = coolant.
Bluish-black, sooty-smelling smoke = oil.
Egg-smelling smoke = catalytic converter.

And uh, don't stand there and huff it. Just take a breath nearby.

[roadrash]

Originally Posted by aceyx

And uh, don't stand there and huff it.

LMAO... then again... huff it for long enough and the smoke-causing issue will become irrelevant. heh heh