I have a 1990 305 TBI with ~130k on it. Recently purchased and it does not appear to be burning any oil as the level has not decreased since it was changed 2000 miles ago. If the car has been sitting more than 8 hours and I start it smoke will come out the pipes until I start to drive it. At this same time the engine sounds louder. It is almost as if it is flooding itself. It takes two attempts to start after sitting. If I had a carb I would say it was flooded.

There is no issue once it is placed in gear and I start to drive. Runs perfectly, shifts fine, strong motor, no smoke even when sitting after the initial start.

Any ideas on a cause? I have not done any work on the motor. When I bought the car a few months back I changed the oil and filter, breathe, air filter and pcv valve. My mechanic that changed the tires checked the car over, plugs and wires included and stated that they were in good shape with no need to change them.

 

What color

 

It is not white. It is grey or black. Not blue. There is no soot etc on the pipes.

 

Black is rich

 

Might still be flooded even with TBI.

I would replace the coolant temperature sending unit and clean the ECM grounds at the thermostat housing and back of the passenger side head.

I would also check the injector spray pattern and for dripping when the engine is shut-off warm. May have an injector o-ring leaking or injector sticking.

Finally the TBI base gaskets are notorious for failing. When they fail they cause low vacuum to the MAP and the engine runs rich, especially at warm up. Its fairly easy to check with a can of pressurized carb cleaner.

 

Then from what you are saying this is not a catastrophic event in the making but normal wear.

As a quick fix attempt till I can properly look at it next week would Lucas injector cleaner or something similar help?