Blue Smoke

[Iman74]

Guys,
One day last week I started the truck while my wife was back there, and she said blue smoke came out. I know that means burning oil, but doesn't that happen while it's running. Well I am due for a service next Friday, but seeking input till then.

 

[toyo]

Think back to the last time you drove it before that day. I know on my Lexus and Toyota that if I start the vehicle to back it out of the garage and pull it back in then the next day I will get that same thing. It basically is just loading up from being cold, then it is turned off. The fuel is not all the way burned. It is nothing to be concerned about unless it is doing this when the vehicle is hot or you drove it until hot then turned it off.

 

[dancojgl]

Also, keep in mind that the engine control and smog systems don't work at optimal efficiency until the engine is up to normal operating temperature.

If there's no smoke once you get going, you're ok.

—Dan

 

[Mark86]

Guys,
One day last week I started the truck while my wife was back there, and she said blue smoke came out. I know that means burning oil, but doesn't that happen while it's running. Well I am due for a service next Friday, but seeking input till then.

How long was your 4Runner idle when this happened? When I didn't use my 4Runner for 5 days, blue smoke came out of the exhaust pipe when I started it. When I start it normally in the morning after not using it overnight, I don't get blue smoke.

 

[sharp4runr]

Blue smoke at startup usually happens on older cars. I believe it's do to oil leaking into the piston rings and being burned off at startup. Correct me if I'm wrong?

 

[TSP-MIKE]

Blue smoke is oil leaking from the valve seals. There is a small leak on the valve seals and if you let it sit too long then it will drip in the combustion chamber and burn at startup. It's not a big deal unless you get blue smoke all the time.

Mike

 

[fish]

Lookout! It's gonna BLOW!

 

[superjoe83]

valve seals are made to allow some oil by to lubricate the valve stem and guide, a little smoke after letting it sit for awhile is normal