smoke

[pepe]

Hi Gang,
on my 1985 Carrera Targa...when I start it sometimes I have a lot of smoke this goes away in no time at all...could it be I have only done 890 miles in 3 years ..ie not getting run enough...this only happens whenit has sat in the garage for a few weeks as I only take it out when its sunny ( not a lot this year )

 

[davidapress]

Hi there, the same thing happens with my car and it is down to not running the car frequently enough - it does not signify a problem with your engine. You may also find that when you drive it for the first time in a while, it drives a bit 'lumpy' for a few minutes until the oil has circulated properly, then it smooths out. Best thing for it is to take it for a blast more often and start it up regularly when in 'storage' over the winter and you will find that you won't get that big plume of smoke upon start-up.

 

[chrishak]

ORIGINAL: pepe

Hi Gang,
               on my 1985 Carrera Targa...when I start it sometimes I have a lot of smoke this goes away in no time at all...could it be I have only done 890 miles in 3 years ..ie not getting run enough...this only happens whenit has sat in the garage for a few weeks as I only take it out when its sunny ( not a lot this year )

This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. However, I do agree that 890 miles in three years means the car isn't getting enough use. You will start to get lots of issues associated with cars that are not run enough and they certainly won't be restricted to the engine and for this reason I wouldn't personally recommend running your engine over the storage period without actually taking it out for a long run. That way everything can get moving, while the engine gets nice and hot - the gearbox, suspension, steering, brakes, heater fans, wipers etc., etc hate being idle as much as engines do. The biggest issue with starting a car and letting it run while in a garage is that condensation will form in cold areas of the car leading to damp and eventually, corrosion.
Wait for clear, crisp, dry days when there is no salt on the road, get the roof off and enjoy a 25 mile drive! Once a month will be plenty - the car will love you for it.

 

[pepe]

thanks gang

 

[911 targa]

Hi Pepe
My 87 3.2 had only done 800mls in 5yrs when I bought her ,and started smoking whithin 3mths.
That was 5yrs ago,after aleak down test it was confirmed all cylinders were in fine fettle but no6 plug was oiling up and failing.the conclusion was no6 inlet valve seal was leaking allowing oil to leak into the cylinder.
Tomorrow the engine is coming out for a top end overhaul,because she wont pass the MOT.
Whats this running up in the garage during winter,why only enjoy your car for 4mths of the year.Its built to be enjoyed every day!!!¬!

 

[pepe]

No chance Im running this car with the salt on the road...and I will only take it out on Sunny days ...if I get caught out that it starts to rain ...so be it ( 6 months road tax is good enough for me ) hopefully next year has less rain