Every time i start the car it struggles and a huge puff of white smoke pours out the exhaust

Every time i start the car it struggles and a huge puff of white smoke pours out the exhaust
wondering if this can be a carb problem

Are you loosing coolant?

Agreed! White smoke usually equals Coolant.

Houston, we have a problem!

:poke:

White smoke is a sign of coolant burning which is what the guys are refering to.Does it run hot? Possibly a blown head gasket.Maybe a intake leak aroung the water passage.

Also, a leaky trans modulator diaphram (SP) can cause a nice smoke cloud, but not pure white. It does sound like coolant though.....

Worst case scenario is a cracked head, from over-heating. Had a couple of those on SBC engines. Usually, when the idiot light for temp comes on, it's too late:smileyb:

I always thought that white smoke meant that the engine was burning oil..Mine has a little trouble starting and some smoke comes out of the exhaust as well, but I think it needs a valve job.

I dont seem to be losing coolant. i doesnt run hot. is there something else it could be? What should i do?

Also, a leaky trans modulator diaphram (SP) can cause a nice smoke cloud, but not pure white. It does sound like coolant though.....

Worst case scenario is a cracked head, from over-heating. Had a couple of those on SBC engines. Usually, when the idiot light for temp comes on, it's too late:smileyb:

What is a trans modulator diaphram and how does it cause smoke?

Also not sure if it makes a difference but this is a new rebuild

The modulator is located on the transmission. It uses engine vacuum to help determine when to shift. If the diaphragm is bad it lets transmission fluid get sucked into the intake - therefore gets burnt and makes the engine smoke.
If you have a 400 tranny it is on the passenger front corner. A 350 or a Powerglide on the rear.

double check the intake manifold bolt torq...that would explain the carb issue also...
what does it smell like coolant or oil,,
coolant would be more like steam,,,smell like coolant..
oil more like smoke,and can have a blue tint,and smell like burnt oil...
valve seals,,,did you rebuild the heads??:texas:

Recent rebuild? Bring it back to the engine shop.

could an intake leak cause white smoke?

If it's coolant then it will have a "sweet" smell to it, that usually means the head gasket is dead

Yes if the leak is allowing coolant to seep into the intake runners. However you should see some coolant loss, may be slight though. Find someone with a radiator pressure tester, pressurize the system with the engine running and see if that makes it smoke worse.

An intake leak across a head gasket could be pulling coolant from a coolant passage between a head and the block, and into a cylinder.
Not too common on a Chevy engine, but possible. If you pull the spark plugs and find one that's nice and clean, that may be a clue to a gasket leak in that area.

OK just to clear things up it only smokes when i first crank it up. just one huge puff!

Sounds like just CONDENSATE in the Exhaust system, if it only occurs at startup.
Nothing to fret over.
JUS SAYEN