Hi All,
I have a 95 2.0 5spd Avenger (125k miles) and have been having problems with the car smoking.  I stopped driving it for a few months because I was sure it wouldn't pass emissions and didn't have the money to fix it.  Recently I've decided to reopen the case and do something with the car so I put a battery in it and cranked her up.  Started no problem, but smoked like mad.  I put some of that stop smoke crap in it and a bottle of STP gas treatment with the intention of making a go at emissions testing.  It kept smoking pretty good for about 10 minutes so I stopped it and decided to check the compression.

Just checked the compression today and its putting out about 185 psi on all four after about 5 cranks.  So my guess would be valve guide seals (had this fixed a few years ago already) or head gasket.  Head gasket seems to be a common problem but I dont notice any oil in the coolant or vice versa. 

My best guess at this time is the valve guide seals.  I was wondering if anyone knew of anything else that could cause smoking like this?

Everyone always asks me that and with no real frame of reference I can't really say.  It's not black, but the typical question is "is it white or blue?".  I guess if I had to call it anything it would be a bluish white  .  As of this weekend when I started it, there is a small amount of smoke coming out.  You can barely see it puffing out the exhaust if you are standing at the rear of the car.  You can definitely smell it though.

What are some of the other possibilities that you were thinking of?

Turned out to be the head gasket.  I actually sold the car to someone who asked if it was for sale.  Between the smoking, all the mounts being shot, front end needing work, and my home owners association threatening to fine me for keeping an un-registered vehicle at my townhouse I decided it was time to part ways 

I miss my car, but now that I've got a son and a daughter on the way I'm pretty much driving the minivan all the time now.  I had some dreams of fixing the venge up and sporting it out with turbo etc... but with my current family/finance status that would be a long time coming.

Thanks all for your help over the last few years.  This site and forum has been a wealth of information for me.

wow...I saw this post ans thought it was something "good" happening to your car...then I read the post...Im of no help though..srry