Steam or smoke?

[Vitis805]

Mods please delete

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[dguffin]

Your going to get something visible out your tailpipe on a cold start. Some fuel vapor, and or condensation. How much is abnormal is hard to say. Weather plays a part, as does powertrain design.

 

[Vitis805]

Your going to get something visible out your tailpipe on a cold start. Some fuel vapor, and or condensation. How much is abnormal is hard to say. Weather plays a part, as does powertrain design.

if it lingers....its smoke. this would concern me
if it disappears completely in short order, its vapour from combustion processes and is quite normal.

I am in line with this thinking. I have had other vehicles in the past that blow a couple puffs when it's cold or on humid cold days, it's just this truck is right on the edge of me thinking it's excessive. Sometimes it really billows, and doesn't just disappear a few inches from the tailpipe. It will create a cloud that does eventually disappear, but it still a noticeably large cloud that would envelope you if you are nearby. I have been watching everybody else's cold startups at the end of the shift, and mine is the only truck that creates a cloud. It's hard to dismiss it and not worry something is damaged or will be damaged in that situation, ya know?

 

[Rick - Saber]

Welcome to the forums. My guess is that it is steam vapor created as the engine and exhaust system warm up to temp. The weather also can play a part in enhancing this effect. I take it that you do not smell any burning smells to go along with this to cause concern?

Also take into consideration that they are Chevy and Dodge guys who may take any opportunity to poke fun at a Ford vehicle. You have said they do not talk crap around the owner who has a Ford so they may be directing it towards you as fair game. I know in my younger days when I was a die hard mopar fan (of 60's and 70's big block era) a lot of good natured ribbing was traded amongst my friends who were Ford and Chevy fans. My new Ranger has brought me into the Ford camp.

Something to think about, program your truck to start up in Ford Pass about 15 minutes before your shift ends. Have it run for about 5 minutes then shut off. That way it is almost already warmed up before you get out there. That way you see less vapor when you start it up with others around.

Steam is white. Smoke would be black if burning oil. Maybe white if burning coolant, unsure. Either way you should be able to smell that something is not right.

 

[quirkybar8]

Have you checked your coolant level? Is it only on startup?

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