tka, what type of engine oil have you been using?

 

Guys,

In all 3 of my Lexus's I have noticed a slight smoke coming from the car when it is first started, lasting no more than 10 secs. From what my mechanic told me - it is perfectly normal.

Unless your car starts running badly, over overheating - CHILL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jonny

 

GOOD ADVICE!

 

Agreed!

As long as it's not blue or purple smoke your fine.

 

Whoa here, my baby DOES NOT smoke for 10 seconds or at all from what I can see, nor does my '86 Honda xcept for maybe a couple seconds and even then only for a second if that!

 

Well,

You are missing the point. What I am trying to say is that sometimes the car will do this and it is nothing to worry about.

The longer you leave the car for without starting it the longer you will get the smoke whether it be a couple of seconds or even 10. Don't drive the car for 2 weeks and you will get closer to 10!

Anyway, no biggie.

Jonny

 

i think a little blue smoke on start=up is normal, my 93 ls400 did it and I ran it to 200k before I sold it. When the engine cools, the gaskets and pistons shrink slightly, and a small amount of oil can penetrate the seal. Starting the car instantly burns this little bit of oil and when the engine gets moving and warms, complete seal is regained, hence no smoke when you drive.

 

I've never had an engine personally that had blue or purple smoke on start up.......even if it was for a couple seconds would make me nervous quite frankly.

 

Dx3, I understand but fwiw, my 19yr Honda doesn't smoke, anything! Ok, a little after a week or so out of action but no way 10 seconds - at most a startup puff. If my Lexus ever did that I'd panic, but that's just me. Best.

 

Hey - I never mentioned any blue or purple smoke!!

Parula,

I have no explanation for that. I just know my 3 have done it so that is what I base my views on.

Anyway, as long as everyones car is running ok then we are all cool

Peace,
jonny

 

Good question. I think it's a valvoline synthetic blend. Car smoked again today. I had driven it for about 30 minutes, stopped at home for lunch for about 15 minutes, and left. My wife followed me out and said it blew a puff when I punched it leaving our subdivision. Didn't smoke again.

I'm wondering if it's the power steering pump valve going bad. Anyway, I'll have it checked out when I get the next oil change. Like Jonny said, it's running good and not a constant thing, so why worry!

Unless, of course, any of you guys think otherwise...

 

Isn't this the infamous Power Steering leak problem? It is alleviated with a new idle up valve, part number is 17630-16040. Good Luck
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From CUman:

"The Toyota-Lexus name for this part is the air control valve. It screws into the bottom of the power steering pump. It has two hoses which run from the valve to (1) the air intake system just downstream from the air filter and (2) the front of the intake manifold. When the valve fails, power steering fluid is drawn into one or both of these hoses and makes a cloud of white smoke when the engine is cranked".

"Anyone suspecting that this valve is faulty should check their power steering fluid level often".

This is a very common problem on first generation LS models.

 

Thanks Damon. I'll mention that to the tech. I hope that's it. I may even go in before I'm due for the oil change. If that is the problem, getting it fixed sooner rather than later may save the alternator.

Tom

 

Suspense is killing me, what ended up being the problem???

 

I haven't had the nerve to call the dealership yet. I due for a change in the next couple of weeks, so I post a reply when I know.

Hopefully it's nothing.

Tom