1998 Toyota Camry. When I start the car. A puff of smoke is released from the tailpipe/muffler. Why?

Question

1998 Toyota Camry with 83,500 miles.  When I start the car.  A puff of smoke is released from the tailpipe/muffler/exhaust.  Why?  What is causing this to happen?  Is there an issue with my engine?  The engine oil was changed a week prior.  They recommended using high performance oil for cars driven over 75,000 miles.  So, I authorized the high performance oil.  I checked the oil dip stick and the oil looks clean.  The oil is at full level on the dip stick.

kelly_f_1999 · Accepted Answer

Worn intake valve guides 
oil sits on top of motor when your not driving it leaks down thru valve guide seals just a sign it sold or a sign heads drain holes about stopped up holding more oil on top of motor than it need to be if cars not using oil live with it might last another 10 years doing it

champer · Answer

Is it blue smoke?  That's a small amount of oil burning, quite normal with a high-mileage engine and nothing to worry about as long as it's just a puff.

? · Answer

It sounds as if the oil is getting past one or more of the Valves and therefore when you start your engine the oil burns. I would have a mechanic or friend pull the plugs and see if there is any oil on one or more of them :)

Pinger · Answer

Worn intake valve guides and bad/missing valve guide seals

pedro7of9 · Answer

blue is oil
black is fuel
white is water
When it sits  oil leaks past rings/seals or fuel leaks from injectors...[or hope not coolant leakes into combustion]    its nothing to worry about ..if you keep oil changed and car tuned.....

Anonymous · Answer

That's normal condensation in the exhaust system.

Texas Wildman · Answer

wear and tear on the engine. every thing wears out.

Trending News

1998 Toyota Camry. When I start the car. A puff of smoke is released from the tailpipe/muffler. Why?

7 Answers