1988 RT4WD is Smoking when Refueled.....Help

I have a 1988 RT4WD with the 1.6 liter FI engine, that usually runs just fine. I noticed a problem after I fueled it up with premium, then started it the next morning there was a lot of white smoke coming from the exhaust. This continued for about ten minutes until it got warmed up. This behavior of emitting white smoke when it was cold continued for a few days, then stopped smoking all together. I again filled up the car with premium at the gas station (about a week later) and then tried to start it, and it wouldn't start the first few times. The next morning when the engine was cold it started putting out white smoke again, and was rough to start. I checked all my fluid levels and they were fine except for my oil level was high on the dipstick, can that cause this problem? The smoking only happens when there is a full tank of gas. If anyone knows the problem or can suggest a solution or just the next step, that would be great...Thanks

Comments

  • mvmmvm Wagonist
    Whenever a cold engine is started, any condensation that formed, say during the night or while the engine sat, will steam off and come out the exhaust. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
  • wagom4nwagom4n Wagonist
    this actually sounds like the early signs of your head gasket going out. the stock motors are notorious for that because they are made of some cheap material, and not metal. it is recomended to replace it with one from any newer single cam gasket, that is made of multilayered aluminum
  • sic944tsic944t Wagonist
    yes i second that keep an eye on the coolant ... and ios this happening when it is cool in the morning like say under 65 or so ???
  • twalestwales Band Wagon
    It only smokes in the morning when I have a full tank of gas, otherwise there is no smoke at all, even in the morning. My coolant level is staying at a consistant level. Thanks , if you guys think of more I would love to here it, I will change out the head gasket to non stock.
  • HaydzHaydz Moderator
    When you change the head gasket make sure you torque it to Honda specs. ;)
    But before you do that, maybe either resolder all the joints on the main fuel relay or buy a new main fuel relay, see if that solves the issue. Also, make sure you have a proper Honda petrol cap as it will work at the right pressure etc.

    My main fuel relay always plays up right after refuelling.
  • twalestwales Band Wagon
    Would the fuel relay produce smoke out of the exhaust? And about the fuel tank cap, the cap is fine but the small flap in the fuel inlet nozzle is bent and does not shut all the way. Would this cause, or have anything to do with the problems. Thanks, this is all great information, you guys are great!!!!
  • HaydzHaydz Moderator
    In the Wagon Links & Research sub-forum, 90blackcrx made a post about what sensors can cause what etc, check it out.

    I highly doubt its smoke. I'd put money on it being steam.
  • twalestwales Band Wagon
    I will check out the forum link, and thanks for all the good information. Your bet is probably right on the steam, I will be working on it this weekend, thanks again.
  • mvmmvm Wagonist
    haha, I live in New England so it steams every morning. I once had the same thoughts your having right now.
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