AOS warning signs?
 

I have a 2002 Boxster S with 28k miles on it. I've had it about a year. I noticed lately when I go out of town and/or it sits for about a week or so, I get a moderate puff of white smoke when it starts. And that's it. It doesn't keep smoking, and it doesn't do it when starting the next day or two days after that. Only when it sites for over a week.

I've seen videos of a failed AOS where the smoke just pours out and keeps pouring out. It's not doing that. It is not my intention that it be a garage queen. I just don't have a need to drive on a daily basis and I frequently go out of town for work for a week or even a month at a time.

Is this initial puff a sign that my AOS is starting to fail? Or just normal for a car that sits.

The best warning sign of the AOS condition is to measure the sump vacuum with a digital manometer; if the vacuum level exceeds 6 inches of water with the engine fully warmed up, the AOS is on its way out….

Madtown, without properly diagnosing as suggested by JFP, it sounds to me like your issue is completely normal behavior for a Boxster to exhibit after sitting for a week based on my experience. I suggest keeping an eye on it for the time being. If you notice it getting worse or happening with more frequent use of your vehicle, then it may be time to diagnose.