Smoke on start up?

Is it oil smoke or just water vapor? You can usually tell by the smell; also oil smoke lingers whereas water vapor dissipates immediately.

 

Color of smoke is important. If black, probably just some excess fuel. If white then probably excess water vapor or oil. The former could be condensation inthe exhaust esp. if the car was lightly used the last time so water could collect in the exhaust. Worst case scenario is what might be oil past the valve guides and seals or head gasket. The former could be a truly tiny leak that has no advers effect on the car, at least short term. I'd say to just keep an eye on it. Carefully check oil and coolant every drive.

 

Also as a side bar, I was advised by my senior dealer mechanic not to turn the engine off immediately when it isnt properly warmed up, for example first thing in the morning and you want to back it out of the garage and park it in the drive way. Engine needs to be up to normal operating temp ( water and oil temps) before switching off.

Apparently it does more harm long term.

 

Yes. This is a general rule. You want the oil thinned out at operating temp so as to have a good coating on moving parts before shutting down. And although this is not the subject of this thread, bringing oil up to operating temp takes a fairly long time in these engines with dry sumps and large (10 liter) oil tanks. Watch your oil temp gauge.

 

Slightly OT, but I'm always amazed how fast the 458 warms its oil compared to my other cars.

 

I agree. My GT3 took forever -- much longer than the 458. You would think that the smaller Porsche engine would heat up more quickly but the 458 comes to operating temp much more quickly.

 

Agree. I wonder if there is an oil thermostat or something. Heats up way faster than my 360 did.

 

I backed out of the garage and shut it off to wash it. I wanted a cold engine for the wash. Afterward when I started it I got a cat error message. Apparently, when cold they pump a lot of fuel to get the cats hot quickly. If you shut it off, there will be unburned fuel in the cats. It doesn't like that.

Now I wash in the garage.

 

Mine has not done that. I just returned from vacation for two weeks, it started right up no smoke at all. It was on the tender as well.

 

I have had it happen to me.Your oil level is a tad high and oil is in the plenum/Plentom intake it usually puffs white smoke on first starting the car.Its not a problem you have to remove a 1/2 quart of oil.Had you added any oil lately?.If there are any oil change stores they should have a suction pump to take out that 1/2 Q

 

have the same occurrence.

Pretty sure oil levels are fine (Maybe i'll ask the dealer)

Looks completely like water vapor to me.