Help diagnosing a problem?
 

I have a 1998 Boxster with only 30,500 miles. Every time I start it after letting it rest for the night, a huge cloud of white smoke billows out of the exhaust. I had an oil change done with Mobile 1 about 2500 miles ago. What do you guys think may be the problem?

I had the same problem with mine awhile ago and it was the oil separator. If so, you want to get that taken care of right away so it doesn't cause more serious problems.

kool, thanks for the reply. How much did it cost you to fix it, just so I have an idea of how much its going to cost me.

You may want to verify your coolant level hasn't gone down. If it has, you'll need to look for the source....like a blown head gasket. Also, if you can, try to smell the billowing cloud. Does it smell sweet? Sweet is coolant.

definitely not sweet, it smells very, metallic... it smells the way I would imagine an engine would smell if it started to smoke *i know thats not a good sign*

How much oil is it using per 1000 miles?

A large amount of white smoke and a smell usually mean you have some coolant in the combustion chamber.

That is not good at all.

I would head off to a good mechanic like, NOW.

Better to be safe than sorry.

Good luck.

If it just gives a puff of smoke, then clears up... especially or moreso after sitting for long periods, then it's probably normal. With the flat design of the engine, oil can't drain out of the cylinder heads like a more common V arranged engine.

If it keeps smoking after a few moments, then you could have something more serious going on, like the Oil Air Seperator, or a leaking head gasket.

Oil separator usually gives u same effect

Yea, the smoke clears up within 10 seconds and its good for the rest of the day. I'll take it to a mechanic as soon as I get a chance. Thanks for the replies guys, I'm glad to be a part of this forum!

01 Boxster 40,000 miles
 

I've got an '01 boxster that has recently started making a bit of noise when i'm driving. the sound doesn't always come on, but is annoying when it does. it kind of sounds like a little rattle, like loose change, coming from the bottom of the car, perhaps the exhaust. but, it also sounds like it might be coming from the fan belt. sometimes when i close the doors shut, i can hear it rattle. any thoughts? thanks.

Just a guess, but I would check to see if something is loose regarding the heat shield for the exhaust :

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7860&highlight=heat+shield

Nick