Hello all,

My '04 Camry LE 4I began to smoke and I ignored it, this in turn took out my Cat converter Witch I had to buy to get smog passing for California.

My question to you all is:

Now that i passed smog and put the old cat on I would like to solve the issue with the smoking to prevent this issue from getting worse, Is it the valve guide seals that is making this smoke and can they be changed without taking off the head?

I was told that this Camry has this issue after long miles, I have 210,000 miles on this car and it runs great. Is this true?

 

Make sure the smoke is oil and not coolant or excess fuel.

Then determine if possible if it is cylinder blow or from the valve seals. Bad valve seals tend result in a cloud of white smoke at cold start that gets worse with time.

Would assume you could change the seals on this engine model without removing the head but this would be VERY time consuming.

Perhaps an internet search on changing 2AZFE valve stem seals will turn up something.

 

I have an 05 with 258,000 miles on it that just started smoking on cold starts. Did some asking around and finally tried putting ATF in the valves and letting it sit for a day or two then sucked it out. This will make it smoke even more for a few days but I am told it will get significantly better if not completely stop in the next week or so. Just got the car back yesterday so I will let you know how it goes. I am skeptical as it has so many miles I honestly think the valve seals are done but hey, this was cheap and easy so if it doesn't work then I'm not out much. On the other hand, if it does work then I am golden!!

 

prob has a blown headgasket, like the one some guy fixed for cheap on youtube

 

This may help you. It helped me:

2002 Toyota Camry Cloud Of Smoke When First Started | CarComplaints.com