Hi everyone, hoping to get some assistance and feedback...


For the last couple of days, I've noticed my car letting out a noticeable puff of smoke for a few seconds upon start up, after it sits for an hour or two. I first noticed it a couple of days ago from my rear view mirror... thought it was a car that had just drove by. Didn't think anything of it until it happened again. It does not smoke when I rev the motor or when I'm driving (not noticeable anyway), just after it sits for a bit. I tried to capture a picture of it... sorry for the low quality. I will try for a better shot after it sits for a bit. The color of smoke appears to be bluish-white, which indicates oil burning I believe.


My car is a 2014, 6MT w/9K miles. Mods include K&N drop-in and RV-6 J-Pipe (installed Dec 14). First oil change with Mobil Synthetic 5w20 at around 5K... about due for the second. Noticed the car uses around 1/4 qt. every couple of thousand miles.


I've seen many posts about the 3.7 consuming oil, but wanted to see if any of you have experienced your car smoking at start up too as a common symptom. From what I've researched, it could be valve seal leaking, but that is typically on older cars. Coolant level appears to be fine and oil is not milky so no head gasket concerns I believe.


What do you guys think? I'm contemplating taking it to the dealership since the car is so new, with fairly low miles... but not sure if this is a warranty item or how they'd troubleshoot the issue... Any feedback and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance Acurazine!

 

Update: Went out this morning to video tape the exhaust at start up after it sat overnight... And there was no smoke at all. Strange...

 

check to see if coolant is at full line.

you can also check the underside of the oil cap for coolant contamination.

 

smoke at startup is generally an indication the valve seals need replacing... I've never heard of that on newer J-series engines though. The puff of smoke would have a hint of blue in it. If it's all white smoke, likely coolant related, like Spaceman mentioned.

 

Thanks for the input so far. I checked the oil level/color and inside the oil cap and they look normal, no milky substance. I checked during start ups today and did not notice any smoke. Maybe it was a fluke... I've been driving in low RPMs and idling a lot lately, so perhaps it's carbon build up?? Anyway, I will keep an eye on it. Thanks again!

 

it could have been water sitting in the exhaust that flashed into steam.

White smoke means that your Valve Stem seals are on the way out. I know the 3.7L engines have issues with oil consumption so there may be a hand with it.

I would highly advise you to install an oil catch can onto the EGR system to help reduce any oil that may be going back into the combustion chamber.

Switch to 0W-40 mobil 1 European or go with 5W-20/30 high mileage, you'll notice less consumption.

 

csmeance, Thanks for the advice. Any guidance or pictures on how to connect the catch can onto the EGR system?