lrcastillo

Hi!

I have a 2001 ES300 that smokes on a cold start. The car had the valve seals replaced but still smokes on a cold start ONLY if I drive it for long distance or for a long period of time. For example, I have a 45 mile commute and the car sometimes smokes on a cold start after my commute. If I only drive the car for a short drive around town, it doesn't smoke.

Since the valve seals and gasket have been replaced, I don't know what else may be causing this to smoke therefore asking for guidance here.

Thanks in advance for any info you provide.

PFB

More info needed. What color is the smoke? What does it smell like? Are you losing any fluids? How many miles on the car? Which gaskets did you replace? How many miles ago? Did the engine ever overheat?

Did you ever change the PCV valve? If so, than how many miles ago? If you never did, or it's been more than say 70k miles, than change it. No questions asked.

Phil

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

If it's just white smoke during start up on cold days, I can assume it's normal. How much does it smoke? Do post up a video so we can get an idea.

lrcastillo

Thanks or t quick replies.

The smoke is blue. The car has 160k miles and the PCV valve has not been replaced. I will replace that.

A puff of blue smoke on a cold start typically means that oil is getting into the combustion chamber which points to worn valve seals which have been replaced to fix the problem. However, it still smokes sometimes.

The seals were replaced and as part of this timing belt and water pump were replaced as well. The car never overheated and no fluids being lost other than oil which is burned when the car starts.

Thanks again and let me know of you need more info

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

Get a leak down compression test done to confirm of seals are good.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Another thing to check is your spark plugs. Worn seals could be causing the oil to accumulate in the wells and seep into the combustion chambers. Although considering that the valve seats have been replaced, the valve covers have probably been resealed.

PFB

As I suggested in my earlier post, Replace the PCV valve. Should be less than $20.00 at the Lexus Dealer, and its literally a 5 Min DIY Job.

If you're lucky, it may solve the problem. If not, than on to further diagnostics.

Phil

PFB

As I suggested in my earlier post, before doing anything else, replace your PCV valve. Should be less than $20.00 at the Lexus Dealer, and its literally an easy 5 Min DIY Job. Get the PCV rubber grommet at the same time just incase yours is dried up.

If you're lucky, it may solve the problem. If not, than on to further diagnostics.

Phil

yeskay

how much did it cost to install new valve stems seals. was it due to blue smoke. how many miles on the car.

lrcastillo

It's been a while since I last posted, been very busy.

I replaced the PCV valve. I bought the valve from a Lexus dealer and the problem is still occurring. This is frustrating. The car runs great, specially after replacing bad knock sensors but still smokes on cold startups which really bother me and is embarrassing at work. Any other ideas?

I really love this car but if I can find a solution to this problem I'm getting rid of it. That's why I really want to get it fixed because I want to keep it

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

As mentioned above, you need to have a leakdown test performed. It will tell you if the seals are good.

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

I would try a fresh oil change with a high mileage motor oil. It can't hurt and might help.

Valvoline makes a good 75K plus oil.

download

My 98 ES300 had same problems like yours, smoke like crazy when cold start after long run.
I modified oil catch can to solve this problem. Reduce 95% of losing oil from 1L/km.
Hope it helps.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...ml#post7565437