I just replaced the oil pan gasket on my 96 camry 4 cylinder. When I took the oil pan off I was able to do so without removing the exhaust pipe. The oil pan was off of the car for 4 or 5 days and im sure oil leaked onto the pipe.

I drove it around tonight for the first time in a week. After about 2 or 3 minutes of driving and then parking, I noticed smoke. Looking under the smoke appeared to be coming from the underside of the central exhaust pipe.

Pardon my ignorance, but the smoke was coming from the section that looks like it is woven steel threads (I hope that makes sense).

I may be paranoid, thinking that the issue is bigger than oil burning off the exhaust. But I just want to be sure.

Does this issue ring any bells??

 

The woven area is a flexible section of pipe to allow movement between the engine and chassis exhaust systems.

Given the section is weaved metal it is possible oil could have gotten into the weaving and now is burning off.

With age this section of pipe can leak but does not start smoking.