Is this a worry (1999 3.4)

PWD4R

PWD4R

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When I start it the exhaust has a little white smoke coming out for about 3-5 seconds. It smells like an older engine but doesn't smell like burning anything or fluids. It just smokes for a moment then goes to normal. The exhaust temperature is quite warm at start up (in newer engines it's not any warmer than an exhaled breath (but then again it's 95 degrees everyday))

Is this anything I should be concerned with? I took it to Toyota and they said everything seems fine overall


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No. I don't believe in that stuff. I was reading something on here and it made me think I may have head gasket issues.. But the idle is smooth along with the acceleration (minus slight little clicking but welcome to a 17 year old motor)


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I mean sea foam is supposed to release all carbons but I tend to steer clear of additives. I may need new plugs but would that cause the start up smoke? And it starts fine. Maybe 3-4 turn overs and it's good to go. Engine died once on a 3 hour trip towing my car behind it but I think that was the hardest it ran in a few years and it started right back up without hesitation


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PWD4R said:
I mean sea foam is supposed to release all carbons but I tend to steer clear of additives. I may need new plugs but would that cause the start up smoke? And it starts fine. Maybe 3-4 turn overs and it's good to go. Engine died once on a 3 hour trip towing my car behind it but I think that was the hardest it ran in a few years and it started right back up without hesitation


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It's not burning oil? Did you/shop overfill the oil?
 
TBH I haven't had it long enough to tell if it's burning and didn't check to see if they over filled it


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PWD4R said:
When I start it the exhaust has a little white smoke coming out for about 3-5 seconds. It smells like an older engine but doesn't smell like burning anything or fluids. It just smokes for a moment then goes to normal. The exhaust temperature is quite warm at start up (in newer engines it's not any warmer than an exhaled breath (but then again it's 95 degrees everyday))

Is this anything I should be concerned with? I took it to Toyota and they said everything seems fine overall


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If that happens after it's been sitting a little while, like overnight, then it's most likely just seeping some oil past the valve guides. Not a big deal unless you are using alot of oil.
 
PWD4R said:
No. I don't believe in that stuff. I was reading something on here and it made me think I may have head gasket issues.. But the idle is smooth along with the acceleration (minus slight little clicking but welcome to a 17 year old motor)


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If it was a head gasket the smoke would probably last longer and would definitely have a distinct smell - not like regular exhaust. Have you checked the coolant level?
 
Yeah the coolant didn't seem low. It was at an operating level. If it's not a head gasket I won't worry too much. This vehicle won't travel 1k miles a year


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PWD4R said:
Yeah the coolant didn't seem low. It was at an operating level. If it's not a head gasket I won't worry too much. This vehicle won't travel 1k miles a year


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Oh! Then why are you worried? Why do you drive it so little? That's only going to cause you more issues

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TBH I only drive my 2015 Corolla about 4K a year. I got this as a wheeler and I take it to work sometimes but I only work like 1.5 miles away. My regular commute a week is maybe 15 miles so I drive this to keep it running. I won't let it sit for more than a few days but I just live so darn close to everything. I know vehicles are better driving 40-60 miles a day on a highway than 10 miles in the city but i don't have much option now. I used to commute 90 miles a day... Now it's 5 (including going home on lunch)


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PWD4R said:
When I start it the exhaust has a little white smoke coming out for about 3-5 seconds. It smells like an older engine but doesn't smell like burning anything or fluids. It just smokes for a moment then goes to normal. The exhaust temperature is quite warm at start up (in newer engines it's not any warmer than an exhaled breath (but then again it's 95 degrees everyday))

Is this anything I should be concerned with? I took it to Toyota and they said everything seems fine overall


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Toyota had a head gasket recall campaign years ago. Mine was replaced twice totally free. Give your VIN # to local Toyota dealer to see if it was ever replaced.
 
I went to Toyota and he ran the vin and said no recalls were open so idk


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MONTYMTB said:
If it was a head gasket the smoke would probably last longer and would definitely have a distinct smell - not like regular exhaust. Have you checked the coolant level?
Click to expand...



So how much longer do you think it'd last? And I will do a smell test again when I get home.


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So I just looked and my coolant is still at the top and the exhaust didn't even white smoke this time and smelt like normal exhaust. I imagine I am fine.


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