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YOUR RESEARCHExhaust Smoke
Leading reported evidence
Replace oil separator and something else
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I had oil separator and something else replaced, other things looked at by the dealer.
Leading evidence: 'Replace oil separator and something else' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Replace oil separator and something else' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Suggestion
When I had my C2, it smoked at startup a lot in between DE run sessions and other times.
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On 3 occasions, I noticed a light puff of white smoke in my exhaust for a few moments after starting the car. On all three occassions, the car had been sitting idle for a week or more.
On another occassion, I shut the car down while it was still hot from a session on the track. I NEVER did this to my car before (I always take a cool-down lap and let it idle for a while before killing the engine) but a unique set of circumstances caused me to shut it down before cooling it off this time. When I started the engine (approx 45 minutes later), there was a huge cloud of smoke that lasted for 5 minutes or so. After I drove the car for 5-10 minutes, the smoke disappeared and never returned.
So my questions are....
1) Is it normal to see white smoke in the exhaust after the car sits idle for 1+ weeks?
2) What causes the smoke?
3) Is it possible to damage the engnie by shutting in down while it's still hot from a track session? If so, why?
Not to freak you out with a similar but worse story -- but, I bought an '02 996 Cab and not long after having it, had an issue with large amounts of white smoke (amount varied but it was more than a "puff") showing up on start up, not every time, but as far as I could tell, mostly after spirited, higher-rev driving. Smoke did not smell like oil, but almost like electrical wire insulation burning (best explanation I have). Also, was not burning any significant oil amounts.
I had oil separator and something else replaced, other things looked at by the dealer. Finally they thought that the prior owner hadn't "broken in the car properly" and put in non-synthetic oil in order to "seat the rings better." Two days later, engine let go (sure sounded, acted that way, MASSIVE amounts of white smoke) at about 3800 RPM going up a hill. I pulled over, called Porsche and told the service manager I didn't want to see it again until there was a new engine in the car. A week or so later, I did receive a "new engine" (refurbished block, all new internal/external parts).
Very happy with the ultimate result, although it took a while...I think you should have it looked at.
While there can sometimes be serious reasons why your car smokes, a little smoke at startup with a flat 6 engine is normal and quite common. After the car sits for a long time, oil can drain back from the sump and into the cylinders. This oil smoke is usually a blueish white. I have had 3 911s and they all did it to one degree or another on occasion.
Search the archives as this is one of the most FAQ regarding 911s.
Cheers,
When I had my C2, it smoked at startup a lot in between DE run sessions and other times. It's perfectly normal on these cars. My turbo does it occasionally too, but not as much smoke and not as often.
White smoke, if persistent usually means that coolant is entering the system. I don't know how normal it is, however, but the next time you take it in, I'd have the mechanics check it out.
My '99 C2 routinely sits for a week in between drives, and I haven't seen any white puffs of smoke during start-up. Maybe I'm not driving it hard enough?
Scott, I also have an '05 TL and like you, just love it, FWD and all. Although I'm confused by the emoticon in your sig, as the TL isn't equipped with steering wheel paddle-shifters.
