33 replies to this topic

[turbominicooper]

as mentioned in title.

 

turn the key and big puff of white smoke comes out then clears shortly.

 

ideas?

[Kieranlee999]

i got told white smoke was break fluid have you got servo breaks?

[turbominicooper]

i got told white smoke was break fluid have you got servo breaks?

 

i have but never heard that theory before...

[Kieranlee999]

i was on a mini run and another mini was kicking out white smoke when it started and break heavily apparently the engine sucks break fluid into the engine and burns it has your break fluid gone down at all? 

[alex-95]

i was on a mini run and another mini was kicking out white smoke when it started and break heavily apparently the engine sucks break fluid into the engine and burns it has your break fluid gone down at all? 

haha, how does the brake fluid get into the engine?

[HarrysMini]

It's common, probably just the condensation burning off the exhaust/engine. Pretty much every car we own does it when cold. Very normal.

Does it happen just when cold or when hot as well?

[HarrysMini]

Also, it's not brake fluid. Don't let whoever said that ever work on your Mini.. Haha

[Mini 360]

i was on a mini run and another mini was kicking out white smoke when it started and break heavily apparently the engine sucks break fluid into the engine and burns it has your break fluid gone down at all? 

This is the best post on TMF ever! 

[turbominicooper]

It's common, probably just the condensation burning off the exhaust/engine. Pretty much every car we own does it when cold. Very normal.

Does it happen just when cold or when hot as well?

 

just on first startup

[HarrysMini]

It's common, probably just the condensation burning off the exhaust/engine. Pretty much every car we own does it when cold. Very normal.

Does it happen just when cold or when hot as well?

 
just on first startup

Yep, condensation. Completely normal.

[sledgehammer]

probably condensation / steam on start up

 

could be light blue smoke - in which case could be valve guide seal , which harden over time , & let a bit of oil drain down while engine off

 

if its valve guide seals - I wouldn't worry too much if it is only on start up - also gives the valve stems a bit of lube which won't hurt

 

also the servo can draw brake fluid thru a leaking master cyl , and it can get ingested in the engine - rare but it happens -

 

usually on 2 cylinders , fluid level will drop sometimes suddenly (may cause miss-fire - not always)

 

very dangerous , can cause brake failure 

 

http://www.v8registe...s/V8NOTE228.htm

 

the above if from a MG page - but same applies to servo-ed mini's

 

if the servo is suspect - don't drive it

Edited by sledgehammer, 18 April 2014 - 01:23 PM.

[Stu1961]

If your motor has a brake servo disconnect the hose that goes to the inlet manifold and plug it on the inlet manifold side. then give it a try see if the smoke stops. Not totally inconceivable, though I have never heard of the issue before. Brake fluid getting past a worn seal in the servo and getting into the vacuum pipe to the inlet manifold will get sucked into the engine and thus burned. If this is what is happening the inside of the hose will be contaminated with brake fluid.

 

Edited by Stu1961, 18 April 2014 - 02:35 PM.

[Stu1961]

Good article that

[sonikk4]

What engine are we talking about here, is it a turbo or normally aspirated???

 

Condensation on a cold morning / day is normal but should clear quickly. If it persists then it could be coolant which will point to a HG issue.

 

Blue smoke on start up points to valve seals / worn guides but again should clear up. Continuous blue smoke will be worn rings / bores.

 

If you have a turbo and depending on the type, blue smoke on start up could be worn bearing seals. Also noticeable when giving the car beans. See a few of these over the years and will require a turbo rebuild.

 

As to brake fluid being sucked into the car via the servo this could be a possibility.  

[turbominicooper]

NA no turbo.

 

i will get a vid tomo morning and post up for clarification