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dd7
New User
May 5, 2005, 11:27 AM
Post #1 of 5
(3209 views)
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Smoky cold start
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I have a 2001 Saturn L300. During the week it is primarily only driven back and forth to work, about 4 miles total. When I start it up in the morning, and sometimes after work, a very noticeable cloud of whitish-blue smoke is spewed from the exhaust. It does not smell like burning oil, but seems to be more than just steam. Otherwise the car is running good. I have taken it into the dealer and was told that it is a burning off of a moisture build-up due to the engine not being able to get hot because I don't drive it long enough. They also told me it is nothing to worry about. Should I go back to the dealer? If only to document the problem again in case it gets worse? Any additives that could cure it? Thanks for any help and suggestions!
Dave
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 5, 2005, 12:20 PM
Post #2 of 5
(3202 views)
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Re: Smoky cold start
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Depending on the temp out where you are it might be nothing.
- Check oil for signs of coolant which will look a bit milky
-check cooland level when cold both at radiator and recovery tank. If low you may have a head gasket problem.
If all else check out - take it out for a highway run and run it on the hard side - full throttle (safely) on an on ramp to a highway and see what comes out the exhaust in your rear view. I may just be a low use car that needs a good drive. Hope so,
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dd7
New User
May 5, 2005, 12:34 PM
Post #3 of 5
(3200 views)
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Re: Smoky cold start
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Thank you. I'll get it out on the highway this weekend. And check the oil for signs of coolant. I am in central Iowa. It's ben unseasonably cold lately, but this smoke has been visible for at least a year.
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dd7
New User
May 17, 2005, 6:58 AM
Post #4 of 5
(3163 views)
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Re: Smoky cold start
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Well, I took the car to the dealer. They told me that the problem was loose valve stem seals?, and they replaced them all. I sure did not think it was oil burning, but the problem is gone. They also replaced the water pump. My car is out of warranty, but because I had taken it in twice before while under warranty for the same problem, and because it has low miles (34,000) I only had to pay for the pump. Thanks for the assistance!
Dave
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carjunky
Enthusiast
May 17, 2005, 8:26 AM
Post #5 of 5
(3162 views)
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Re: Smoky cold start
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Dave,
Its great to hear you didn't have to pay for everything since you where out of warranty, and the shop did kind of mess up the inspections 2 times before....Also thanks for the recap.
I once had a warranty purchased with a used car and it was impossible to get in contact with them so I'm not a big fan of automotive warranties.
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