a little smoke on start up

[68Malibu]

I have a '99 4cyl w/ 85K miles, 5 spd that smokes a little on cold starts. Does not seem to do it every time - or I just can't see it each time. Otherwise engine seems pretty good - only uses 1/4 qt each 3K miles and gets 38 mpg hwy.

I'm guessing the valve seals are going and wondered how much of a PITA these are to change. I've done this several times on V-8 Chevy engines and those are easy. I have to replace the timing belt soon so I though that would be a good time to do the seals to.

Is this a typical issue with engines / mileage or is mine an odd-ball?

Thanks!

[geoff5093]

This isnt towards your problem, but how in the world do you get 38mpg on a '99 Camry? Are you sure you figured that out right?

[coquibone14]

Originally Posted by geoff5093

This isnt towards your problem, but how in the world do you get 38mpg on a '99 Camry? Are you sure you figured that out right?

very possible...ive done it...i swear to god i have....i drove from here to jacksonville and used 1/4 tank. i never went above 70 and i was light on the pedal. coming back though i averaged 31 doing 85 the whole way.

[geoff5093]

Originally Posted by coquibone14

very possible...ive done it...i swear to god i have....i drove from here to jacksonville and used 1/4 tank. i never went above 70 and i was light on the pedal. coming back though i averaged 31 doing 85 the whole way.

Thats impressive seeing as how the '07 hybrid gets 38mpg in the city.

[Mike Gerber]

Originally Posted by 68Malibu

I have a '99 4cyl w/ 85K miles, 5 spd that smokes a little on cold starts. Does not seem to do it every time - or I just can't see it each time. Otherwise engine seems pretty good - only uses 1/4 qt each 3K miles and gets 38 mpg hwy.

I'm guessing the valve seals are going and wondered how much of a PITA these are to change. I've done this several times on V-8 Chevy engines and those are easy. I have to replace the timing belt soon so I though that would be a good time to do the seals to.

Is this a typical issue with engines / mileage or is mine an odd-ball?

Thanks!

I agree that it is probably valve seals, but I would just leave things alone. 1/4 quart every 3000 miles is nothing. All engines use some oil. I would just monitor my oil consumption. Unless consumption goes up drastically, I wouldn't be in a hurry to replace the valve seals.

Mike

[68Malibu]

Originally Posted by geoff5093

This isnt towards your problem, but how in the world do you get 38mpg on a '99 Camry? Are you sure you figured that out right?

I did not think it was right either; EPA says 33 MPG HWY but I always get better than EPA ratings on all my cars. I drove from S FL to NC, checked the mileage twice. I have since made a few more hwy trips and keep the cruise on 70-75 and I get 38... okay 37.65. With a combination of town and highway (70% hwy) it gets 33. The stick shift is what saves the gas IMO.

[toyomoho]

The I4 gets great mileage on long distance freeway travel and pretty good with continuous trips over 30 miles.

If valve stem seals, the problem will get worse over time. The amount of oil burned will not be much at the dipstick. But over time you will need to advise people to start standing up wind if behind you when cold starting the car. Later this will become after a few hours such as after work.

The easiest way to replace the seals is by taking the head off. Then one can do a valve job at the same time. I managed to do the job with the head on the car. It is straightforward but a time consuming job and a little tedious to reinstall the valve keepers.

If interested write back direct. There is also a very good website showing how to the replace valve stem seals on a Camry V6 complete with photos.