gladiator1

Issue: Upon startup, white smoke erupts with burning smell generated in the right lower part of engine compartment in the area. Smoking starts roughly 15-30 seconds after startup and is there for around 2 mins until the car has warmed up a bit. Generally happens only with the first start of the day. No major reduction in power or performance. Started occurring few days back. Any idea on why this may be happening? Any recommendations to fix this? Any

Model: 2007 Lexus GS350 AWD
Mileage: 182,500 Miles with Regular Maintenance
Location: San Jose, California, USA

See below for how the smoke looks. This is on the lower end after the smoke has been rising for a minute or so. It tapered off after this.

AussieGS

Not uncommon for the cam cover gaskets to leak and drip onto the exhaust, very likely this is the concern.

Certainly the first thing to look at.

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

I agree it could be valve cover gaskets, if that is the case as AussieGS stated then the headers igniting that oil is not a good thing. You could have a fire, and being that the fuel line hose is on top of that area you would have a massive fire.

With the engine cold grab a flashlight and look inside for what is leaking, it should show signs of oil or residue left behind.

Oceans13

Whatever it is, I would take my car to a mechanic, or better yet to the dealer if my engine was smoking.

greygarlic

Were you able to pinpoint the leak/ where the fumes were dripping from? I just changed my valve gaskets and sparkplug gaskets bc I had fumes cming in to my cabin, but it still fumes.

mspearl95

I think there are threads about fumes in the cabin coming from exhaust leaks.

bronx99

hi gladiator, were you able to diagnose the white smoke from the engine? I'm having the exact same problem. not sure how much this will set me back. thanks!