Smoke from exhaust... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

jhein39 · 07-02-2007, 07:26 PM

I started my '94 Camry this morning and was shocked to see a large cloud of blue/grey smoke go past me and a steady stream of blue/grey continuing to come out of the exhaust. I drove the car yesterday and everything was fine. Any idea of what may cause this (I'm very challenged when it comes to vehicles). I have read that a faulty PCV valve may cause this (I know it's easy to test that...just don't know where the heck the thing is). Any other suggestions?

BTW I'm a newbie here and dying for some input from u guys!!!

Mike Gerber · 07-03-2007, 01:52 PM

You don't say how many miles are on the car, but given that it's a 94 it probably has quite a few. If the smoke is not coming out the tailpipe any other time except ocassionally on start-up, chances are it's due to worn valve guide seals in the head of the engine. This allows some oil to be sucked down in to the cylinders. It burns off when you start the car. I wouldn't worry about replacing them. I would just keep an eye on the oil level to monitor oil consumption. If you do not have to add oil between oil changes, or if you do have to add some oil, but no more than a quart every 1000 to 1500 miles, I really wouldn't be too concerned. Just monitor the oil level.

Mike

jhein39 · 07-03-2007, 01:58 PM

Sorry I didn't mention...ya it has high mileage! I replaced the PCV valve and for the first 30 seconds after starting it...everything appeared fine...then the smoke came again. The smoke continues to come out of the exhaust while running and it seems to be running just fine.

Mike Gerber · 07-03-2007, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhein39

Sorry I didn't mention...ya it has high mileage! I replaced the PCV valve and for the first 30 seconds after starting it...everything appeared fine...then the smoke came again. The smoke continues to come out of the exhaust while running and it seems to be running just fine.

If the blue and white smoke continues to come out of the exhaust as you drive, then it's probably worn piston rings that's causing the problem. This means it's time for an engine rebuild or a replacement engine from a salvage yard with a lot less miles. Or, you can just keep driving it for a while and continue to monitor the oil level more frequently. Again you can see how quickly the level drops to where you need to add oil. If it is worn rings causing the problem, the oil level will drop rather quickly. Some people can live with adding a quart every 500 miles or so. It's really up to you.

Good luck.

Mike