Smoke from exhaust on cold start

2020 TRD off road with 63k miles
First time this morning I've seen a cloud of smoke come out of the exhaust during cold start. I didn't get a good look initially at the color but I got the very slightest smell of oil but went away quickly. Also the smoke puffing stopped quickly after a few seconds. I thought it was just usual water vapor but the initial little plume is what didn't seem normal.
I have literally no time to further investigate this problem as I am supposed to pick up a UHaul trailer tomorrow and tow my belongings halfway across the country with this truck, moving states. Arizona to Nebraska

What's the liklihood here that I'll be fine on this drive or that the engine is going to explode going through the mountains? Sorry to be dramatic.

 

It's probably condensation.
Check oil every time you refill, until you are certain you are not consuming oil.
Take video if it happens again.

Have a safe trip!

 

Do you have 1 minute to check the oil and coolant levels?

 

If the coolant is getting in there then the coolant and oil are going to look like total shit.

 

Oil and coolant levels are good. Coolant doesn't look dirty at all. Oil is light amber color, seems fine.

 

Keep a check on oil levels. Some engines will leak a bit of oil into the cylinders when it is parked. Especially if parked at an angle. When you 1st start the engine, it burns up quickly. It could be a sign that your engine is starting to go bad, or not, but it could do this for years and 10's of thousands of miles before it becomes a problem.

MOST modern engines use very little oil and most drivers become alarmed if their engine uses some. Having to add a quart of oil every 2000-3000 miles isn't hurting a thing. When you get to a quart every 1000 miles then it's time to start thinking about having something done.

 

How cold was it when you started the truck? I think you'll be fine.

 

It is related to the startup logic.
The engine runs first 25-30 sec using both injection modes (port and direct)
Direct injectors spray at 36° crank angle (normal driving 270° for both, 320° direct)
And the ignition timing is set to -20° crank angle.
Also, 1st 10 sec or so , the engine runs in Open Loop, then switches to Closed Loop and ecu starts adding fuel to mitigate lean conditions.
This and plus moisture creates a white smoke

 

i think it was low 70s fahrenheit this morning

 

Interesting. I understand the white smoke, I feel like I've seen it on other vehicles before. It's how the smoke behaved after first exiting the exhaust. Like I said the initial plume of smoke floated up like a small cloud that disappeared quickly. I might not be explaining it very well but it seemed strange to me.

 

You truly are a genius

 

where do you live?

 

Southern AZ currently, moving to the midwest in a couple days

 

I suggest watching Vice Grip Garage. It will help easing the fear of an automobile breaking down on a trip.

https://www.youtube.com/c/vicegripgarage

 

If you have a leaking head gasket, the engine will shake and knock on the startup until the coolant expelled from the cylinder.
The coolant level will fluctuate.
You may get CEL/ MIL light due to misfire rate on affected cylinder(s).
If none of this present, nothing to worry about.
They design the logic to warm CATS as fast as possible

 

Just an aside, but you used the words “cold start” to describe something that occurred when the temperature was in the low seventies.
Have you done any research into the weather in Nebraska?

Kidding aside, sounds like a bit of condensation..something you are going to see a lot more of in about 6 months.

 

A "cold start" is generally anything where the engine is at ambient temperature, even 70F (~20C). In relative terms to normal operating temperature of 210F (~100C), that is "cold". Canadian winters are just .... drum roll, please ..... a lot colder!!!


I would absolutely positively monitor your oil and coolant levels every time you stop. I would also recommend as a precaution that you carry some extra oil (at least 1 quart and preferably 1 gallon) and some extra coolant (2-3 gallons). Have a contingency plan in case of a breakdown. Mind you, that can be as simple as managing your fuel levels, keeping family updated as to your location, paying attention to mile markers, and just using your head.

Safe travels and may your move be trouble-free.
BCF