99 Rav Smoke on startup

[thazallfolks]

After sitting overnight I get about 10 seconds of bluish white smoke from exhaust. It does not smoke after that. It is not a thick blue oily smoke but is a white thin smoke and smells more like fuel. It does NOT use/burn ANY oil at all. It does not lose coolant. Typical symptoms say valve seals. But since it does not use any oil I dont think that is it. Are there any more suggestions out there?

[steve97]

The amount of oil loss through the valve seals is minute. So you won't see it the loss on your dipstick, unless you are waiting too long to change your oil.

It is a bit alarming to see that cloud of smoke on start up. The thing that I have done to minimize the puff is to use a high mileage oil (Valvoline is good). It has two things to combat that puff in the morning, a)it contains conditioners to help that seal b)it is thicker oil.

[thazallfolks]

Thanks steve97.
I just changed the oil this past week a went to Castrol High Mileage 10/30. If it is going to help how long do you think it will take to see a difference? I know it is probably no big deal but it drives me nuts when I know it is not supposed to do it. Just another gnat bite in life, I guess.
Thanks

[steve97]

What was the viscosity of the oil? Go the thickest that your climate allows you to. Keep a little record in your glove box. I bet your frequency and the size of the 'cloud' will decrease throughout your oil change interval.

By the way, how many miles on the RAV4? And how well maintained were the oil changes?

[thazallfolks]

Castrol 10/30 high mileage. The car has 125000 miles. We bought the car with 90000 so I dont know the history. Obviously oil changes were not a priority.