Why does it smoke?

[lloyd3]

Every once in a while, when I get my car out for a spin, it belches a fairly significant cloud of smoke right after start-up?  It's usually after it's been sitting for a long while and I need to pour a small cup of gas in the carb to prime things. With regular use it almost never happens, but when it does......wow.  Valve guides?

[70-500-SE-EXPORT]

Sounds like valve seals.

[John_Kunkel]

What color smoke? If you're over-priming it, could just be burning off the excess fuel.

[lloyd3]

Mr. Kunkel:

White and oily-smelling smoke.  It's been about 40K miles since the last major overhaul, and since I didn't do it I have no way of knowing just exactly what was done. 

[lloyd3]

Had the car out today and nothing, it ran great. 82 here today!  What winter?  The valve seals can't be leaking too-badly, the plugs don't ever seem to get fouled. I haven't needed to change them in something like 8-years.

[RECHRGD]

Maybe just condensation, not smoke....

[lloyd3]

Possibly ...but Colorado is a very dry place. We have had a fairy wet summer this year, but this fall is popcorn dry.  Just something I'll have to keep an eye on I guess.