Hi,
I was looking at used 2003 4cyl camry, it was about 20 degrees, the saleman
started the car and looking at the exhaust I noticed nothing for 5 seconds or so, then blue smoke for a few seconds then white (normal condensation).
Is this a problem? The car has 50K on it and all the service records (dealer serviced).
Maybe excessive engine wear or maybe I'm paronoid? Otherwise it was in pristine condition.
thanks for any help!!

 

On my 1995, I always get that -just in the morning - the valves leak alittle oil over night. I thought they fixed that in the 2000 years....

Mine never needs oil between oil changes - who cares....?

RobK

 

My 95 does not show any signs of leaking valve seals but I'm with RobK in that it is probably a valve seal leak. I would pull the plugs and look for any oil burning on them. I would also recommend a compression test. Can't be much wrong with an 03 and 50K with proper servicing. You may be able to use the blue smoke to get better price. Find out what it would cost to replace valve seals then bid your best price less that cost.

 

Blue or white smoke is oil burning. It could be oil in the cylinders or oil sucked in from the valve guides.

The valve stem seals can harden and leak with age. The process seems to accelerate if the car sits for weeks/months without being started. Valve seals are a common problem with older Toyota's.

If the valve stem seals are leaking at cold startup the problem will most likely get worse over time. Replacing the seals is usually done by taking the head off but it is also possible to change them in the car although this route is very time consuming job.

If it is the seals, once replaced the smoke goes away.

You might figure into the price of the car the cost to replace these seals and lower the price offer accordingly.

 

Just bought a 2004 with 4cyl - and I noticed today that it did that to me as well. Anytime it seems to sit for about an hour, I see a small cloud of blue smoke, and then it's gone.

If anyone finds a fix for it, let me know.

Could be the rings - but I would doubt that at 100k miles.. maybe a PCV valve?

----EDIT---------
Just realized that the post right above mine, answered my question. The valve seals.

Anyone have a process on replacing these with the head on?

I've read in another place that using a high-mileage oil can help to soften these, and maybe after 2 or 3 oil changes, it 'may' begin to burn less oil at startup.

Anyone tried the above oil solution?