Small Puff of smoke at start up -- Normal?

[GSRP]

I only drive my Boxster on the weekends -- so it sits during the week. I've noticed the last few times I start the engine, that a small white bit of smoke appears when I start the car. It does not continue after that.

It's a 1999 with a rebuilt factory engine with about 12,000 miles on it. The engine oil is full (checked via dip stick and gauage on the dash).

Is there any reason to be concerned -- or is this a result of sitting idle for long periods of time?

Thanks to all.

-gene

[LuisR]

i think it is normal, I get the same thing after weeks of not starting the car. i get a small white smoke for 1 to 2 sec and then its gone. remember that these are Boxster engines (flat 6 cylinders) and there is always a chance that after running the car some of the oil that lubricates the cylinder walls accumulates on the bottom of the cylinder wall and when we start them up that oil gets burned up, so it is normal.

GSRP, a little bit of white smoke on start-up is NOT only normal...but pretty damn cool!

Don't worry...be happy!

[Boxter]

you'll find that is normal for this model car and its engine layout given the down time you speak of...at least that is what I have found as my 98 does the same thing.

[BoxsterBob - CA]

The flat six design of the boxer engine can allow a small amount of oil to seep past the rings into the combustion chamber when sitting, resulting in the white puff. Unlike the V-6 design that has gravity in its favor. This is normal. If the smoke continues beyond the occasional puff, you may have a problem, anything from Air Oil Separator (minor) to porous cylinders (major). The occasional "belch" on start, while embarrassing, is normal.

[GSRP]

Thanks, Gentlelmen. Very reassuring.

I'm taking the advice -- Don't Worry -- Be Happy! Dat be me!

By the way, I'm not yet spending big bucks on this little beauty -- I'm doing little fun things that don't cost much but keep me excited and entertained.

For example, I've added:
The beautiful Porsche emblem to the steering wheel
Day-time running lights
The German plate to the front
The Porsche decal to the wind stop
Chrome tag with Porsche name

Any other 'cheap' suggestions?

Oh, forgot to mention -- changing out the dash speakers with Infinity's and will be ordering the PNP rear speakers soon.

All of you have been very helpful with your experienced comments. Thanks a bunch -- gene

[BobMarley1]

How about a sticker to the spoiler, when it goes up.

Sticker on the interior bat-wing.

clear side markers.

[wetstuff]

GSRP .. I concur: puffs are normal.

...but I'd ask: How'd you get DLRs? I bought the CDN module only to find the Boxster seems to be one of the cars that comes without a complete, Intl. loom.

j i m

[djomlas]

you have a few options:
-if your centercaps are not painted, paint them
-spoiler decal
-paint calipers and add decals
-if your rotor hats are rusty, clean and paint those
-silver interior pieces
-if you have faded fron grilles, paint those too, and while at it clean out your radiators
-maybe new shift knob?
-join PCA

-Main Thing: do the maintenance and you shold be good to go

and enjoy your car

[BoxsterBob - CA]

If you haven't already, de-snork. Best of all, it's FREE!

[GSRP]

I don't know what de-snork means.....

Regarding the day time running lights -- I found a small fuse switch on eBay that when installed, turns on the lights when the ignition switch to turned on

-gene

[BoxsterBob - CA]

Originally Posted by GSRP

I don't know what de-snork means.....

-gene

The Snorkel is a device in the intake (driver's side) to reduce noise to comply with tough European limits. Removing it gives the car a slightly more aggressive sound and as recent dyno results have demonstrated, a few extra ponies. I did it on my '99 and love the results. Here is a DIY link. Good luck and welcome to the addiction!

10 minute De-Snork hack

[blinkwatt]

Originally Posted by BoxsterBob - CA

If you haven't already, de-snork. Best of all, it's FREE!

+1 for De-Snorkling. It's been a couple of months since I did it and I love it more everyday!

[unklekraker]

+2 for de-snorkling! @ 5500rpm...sound so sweeeeeeeeeet!

that's with the help of Blinkwatt and tools from BoxsterBob! We did it during our Boxster drive, when we stop for lunch