Smoke on start-up?

[carfanatic]

I own a 2002 Boxster S (26 000km) for the last 3 months.

I love the car so far but am concerned about the excessive amount of smoke on start-up. This is usually after standing for a while, coming back from a spirited spin.
The other day I had to wait for the smoke to clear in order for me to see where the car gaurd was before I could reverse.

I took a photo about mid day showing it on start-up. (16 deg cel) The amount of smoke varies from one start-up to the next.

http://986forum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=&stc=1

Is this normal? (as some suggest)

I have booked it in to Porsche (under warrantee) to have it checked but would like some neutral opinions.

Any ideas, or am I being paranoid?

[BentleyJava]

If there is white 'soot' around the tips of the pipe it might well be running a bit lean.

[IowaS]

my 2000s has the same issue, but only occasionally and only at start-up. From what I have seen on this forum this is not cause for concern if it only happens on start-up. I am sure some others will chime in with more detailed explaination.

[Adam]

A question like this is posted at least every mo or so. It's perfectly normal on startup for this to occasionally happen. ...particulary when the engine has been sitting awhile. The way the flat 6 is designed sometimes allows oil to settle in the cylinder bank...because it is flat and not more upright like a V engine. Do a search and you will find tons of more info.

[KRZTACO]

I think the internals of the motor are catching on fire and will cause your vehicle to blow up eventually.

KRZ

[Rail26]

Dude, not to try and be one of those guys that always has a better story than one that is being told, but check this out.

[Rail26]

here is a thread on the topic

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3980&highlight=boxster+smoke

[vouvoune]

Had this problem too...From what I understand when it sits for a while there is some oil residue on the piston which provokes this white smokes. My problem was actually the oil separator which failed. It started making a noise which is when I got it looked at.

you are right. when the car sits for a couple of days, the smoke appears. i haven't had smoke in a couple of months, because i've been driving the car more recently. but last week i didn't drive all week. i turned the car on, and poof smoke n smelt bad. but hasn't happend again.

[rdancd816]

The "smoke" issue is difficult to quantify. I have had this happen since owning this car about 8 or 9 time since last November. When the smoke on start-up occurs it is very thick and white. Lasts for about 5 seconds and disappears. Senior tech at local dealership has inspected the car and found nothing. As previous posts have stated, somewhat normal but looks and smells awful! Mine's an old one but I can't nail down to long idle sitting or steep angle parking.

[rdynamix]

I have convinced myself it is ok, still does not smell or look any better.