Folks - this is a serious question for all you experts. i have recently been noticing a puff of smoke coming from the left (drivers side) tail pipe on cold start up. i have seen this before a long time ago, but it was more of a fuel/rich smell to it. it only happened if i started the car, moved it out of the garage, then shut if off. basically never let it warm up and then shut it down for a long period (3+ hours) now, i have a puff of smoke coming out of the left pipe when the car is cold and it definately smells like burning oil. does not happen once the car is warm, or if it does not sit for a long time after driving. only seems to do it at first start up in the a.m. i have not heard any wierd noises, rattles, etc. i am a bit concerned. any thoughts??? anyone experience this and if so, what was the cause???? please folks, i would like some feedback before i go to the dealer!! thanks!!!
"Black, sooty smoke is usually symptomatic of an engine that's burning too much fuel and nearing collapse. Because engines run inefficiently when cold, they use extra fuel at start-up to ensure a smooth idle and hesitation-free acceleration. If the smoke clears up as the engine warms to operating temperature, it's probably nothing worth your worry."
I read a recent thread (I think it was at the OC) where the guy took it into the dealer and they told him it was the valve seals that needed to be replaced. There's a few threads like this at LXF as well and I've also heard that if it subsides, it's nothing to worry about...which I question. Most people have recommended getting a catch can but I know you already have one Chris.
where is the quote from rick???? this is what i used to experience from time to time rick..... now the puff of smoke is every morning and definately smells like oil..... that is why i am concerned!! yeah milan, i keep thinking oil in the manifold, especially after i saw how much oil gets in there before i put my catch can on, but i have a can, empty it regularly, and am stumped as to what my issue may be. the car runs great and i hear no strange noises. i use 15/50 mobile per the "squirter whine" tsb. yes i have a pred, and no, the tb is not dirty.
DING DING DING I tihnk we have a winner.When the car sits Chris the oil drips down the valve into the combustion chamber,when the car starts up it burns it off...I think this maybe your problem Not bad just an inconvience
You're OK just as long as you don't get red smoke coming out.... you DON'T have red smoke do you Chris?
yeah, i was talking with chris pate today at work about this possibility. someone also mentioned a stuck lifter, which i kinda doubted seeing as i have not heard any strange rattling or noises. the seal part makes more sense. but not what???? i am thinking warranty, right??? always with the smart azz answer drew........:dumb::grin:
You know nothing will ever go wrong with your ride.... unless you replace it with one of those red, Cavaliers with hood scoops!
Unlike my brash and insensitive EQ counterpart, I sincerely wish you good luck with this as I know I'd be shitting bricks!!!
Hey....I'm I have compassion... I didn't slap you around too much last night when you shorted me my money for your last weekend's worth of "corner" work...now did I? Now back to our regular scheduled, smoking tailpipe thread....
how in the hell can the valve seals be leaking already is it a srt thing cause ive had dodges with over 200k that was smoke free and other cars with over 380k with no smoke
You would think valve guide seal, an easy explanation. Mike - COMP T/A 57 was going through this same thing over the past several months and in the last month he finally traced it back to a bad intake gasket seal. He also had phenolic spacers on his car, and the gasket just gave way in one spot letting some oil through. Mike also has a Dodge tech living down the street and he only had bad things to say about the gaskets Dodge now uses FWIW. Do you have Phenolic Spacers? Even if you don't, could have some sealing problems along the intake. Good luck, Eric
