'03 Camry blowin' smoke on start-up after extended no use

[carrlos]

Recently my 2003 Camry LE is blowing out a big puff of bluish/white smoke in the mornings when I first start the car or after extended periods of non-use. But I am not getting any smoke any other time that I can detect. The temperature here doesn't drop much below 70 degrees if it does.

What could this be and how can I remedy it?

[Netforcer]

You might be burning oil

[carrlos]

Originally Posted by Netforcer

You might be burning oil

That's a little obvious!!! But I need to know the possible culprit and what I can do to remedy the situation. I'm still not ready for a new car!!

[Aceventura9586]

Valve cover gasket leak?

[JSM1284]

Most likely just the valve seals. Common problem, nothing big to worry about.

[gdanaher]

There are valve stem seals which are attached to the tops of the valve guides. Their job is to prevent oil from draining down the stem of the valves. Over time they wear out and let some oil to get by. This usually happens with high mileage engines. 100k or better. They can be replaced with the head installed but it is tricky. Generally you wait until you need a valve job.

[Venom_5]

easy their guys .... it could just be condensation and such from sitting for so long

several of my cars have done that, my camry did it this year after the temp change

[ShawnM]

Id have to agree with the valve seals guess since hes seeing bluish white smoke. Like everyone else said, dont worry about it untill you need major engine work done.

[DressUpYourPet]

yeah id leave it alone like everbody says. Until the following happens or is aboutt o happen:

1. Engine needs a valve job (theshop will change em then)
2. Smoke becomes too excessive your car looks like the Batmobile trying to elude the joker with his Bat-cloud
3. Your car is about to go and have smog check. If you have smog check chances are it is not going to pass, obviously, if theres any oil burning out the tailpipe.

If a compression check and mileage show the engine to be in fine shape, it is possible to just change the valve seals with the cylinder head still in the car - but on most if not all camry engines the camshafts have to come out to get to the valve seals. And you still have to remove a whole bunch of parts just to do that.

[toyomoho]

Have someone start the engine whilst you smell the exhaust smoke. If water, oil or gas you will know it. Off hand sounds like worn exhaust valve seals, if so the amount of smoke will increase over time.

I have changed the seals with the head(s) still on the car but it is very time consuming! Once the seals were installed the startup smoke want away.

[carrlos]

Thanks everyone!