Subject: 01 Galant white smoke coming from tailpipe at start up
Question:

Hi,
I just(2 weeks ago) had $2,000 worth of work on my 2001 Galant(v6,2.4L). Just to name a few things, timing belt, head gasket, rebuilt cylinder head (including valves, guides and seals), balance shaft belt, crank sensor, water pump other belts and thermostat. Now I have white smoke coming from my tail pipe only when I start the car after it's been sitting for more than 2 hours. Do you have any idea what it might be? Thanks!
Answer: Val,
If that white smoke goes away after a few miles of driving, you should be fine. It may simply be condensed water vapor that was trapped in the exhaust and is now burning off. But if the white smoke sustains the entire time you're driving and you detect a sweet smell to the exhaust, then coolant is leaking into your combustion chamber and burning off in your exhaust. Keep an eye on your coolant level and have your mechanic take a look if you feel it is coolant.
Good luck!