Blue Smoke at Startup

[kjarrett]

I'm not overly concerned about this, but, was wondering what you all thought:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kjarrett/4869153592/

The car has done this since I got it four years and 26k miles ago, I have similar videos in the same set.

Just wondering what you thought about the quantity of smoke and what this might mean.

Here's the oil analysis I had done a couple of years ago - will be interested in seeing what the CURRENT analysis says.

[uibalnme]

Worn/leaking valve stem seals. It's a common problem with the 5sfe. Mine does the same thing when I start it after it sits for an hour. Not a big issue.

[hardlymoving]

Yes. If blue smoke after engine start up and not after, it's the value stem seals. Replacement would require removal of the camshafts, then pressurizing the cylinders one at a time to remove and replace the seals to prevent the valve from falling into the combustion chamber.

[kjarrett]

Thanks guys! Good to know. I thought it wasn't a big deal ... appreciate the confirmation.

[Mike Gerber]

Yes, most likely it's worn valve guide seals. I would just monitor your oil consumption for a while. Chances are you are probably not using enough oil to be concerned about, if you only see this at startup.

Mike