996 engine smokes on start up

[NXI20]

Classic symptom of immenent oil/air seperator failure IME. Not a hugely expensive job if done by a competent indie, but I've heard of OPC's dropping the engine... I'm sure Richard will be along in a minute with a more knowledgable view []

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Welcome Lee!! As Daren says, it's fairly common. A sure-fire way to get it to smoke on startup is to start the engine from cold, reverse it out the garage, wash it, and put it away. Next morning you'll get a puff of smoke. Try a 5W-40 oil on the next change, as I found it did the trick for my C2. Edit - beat me, Nick!. AOS failure usually gives clouds of white smoke, which takes more than a few seconds to disappear.

 

[jalfonse]

Thanks for the fast replies, very reassuring. The car has just been serviced and the electronic meter indicates it full to the brim. Out of interest how would I daignose the oil separator as being the problem and can this cause collateral damage if left too long? Love the car btw, the performance is great and road holding fantastic, I traded my 06 mustang GT to get it from some very professional chaps in Harrogate, Lee

 

[jalfonse]

I've just bought a 996 targa (2002) with 51K miles and have noticed if I drive it hard before shutting it down it can smoke really bad on starting it back up, the smoke clears after a few seconds. Is this common? thanks,

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

A failed AOS won't do any serious damage. It might mess up the MAF sensor as it contaminates it with oil. It often starts with a squealing noise which comes from a split plastic tube inside the seperator. One way of diagnosing it is to remove the inlet tube to the throttle body and look inside. If it is coated with oil, that's a sure sign. Like I said though, you will get clouds of white smoke.

 

[jalfonse]

Thanks Richard !, surprised nobody commented on my trade...06 mustang GT... lol, compared to the porsche it drove like a tractor!!, Lee

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

ORIGINAL: jalfonse Thanks Richard !, surprised nobody commented on my trade...06 mustang GT... lol, compared to the porsche it drove like a tractor!!, Lee

We're all far too polite to comment!