Smoke on start-up

[carfanatic]

I bought a 2002 Boxster S with 22000 km from my OPC about 3 months ago. (Yes, with drive plan warranty)

I am very happy with the car especially after my last trip where I did over a 1000 km on fantastic mountain passes (in one weekend) throught the eastern Transvaal, South Africa.

My only concern is the excessive amout of smoking on start-up. Especially when the car was standing for a while after a spirited run.

I have booked it in to have it checked out at Porsche, but wanted to know some independant views from other owners.

Must I be concerned or is this normal on a Porsche with under 28 000 km on the clock?

[jc]

Some do some don't,probably not a problem.

[Katie F]

They say not to worry about this it is something to do with the straight 6 engine. You only worry if it smokes after warm up. My 1999 Boxster does this sometimes and other times it doesnt. I remember someone saying that it might be something to do with a blocked oil breather pipe??

[anonymous-user]

Katie F said:

They say not to worry about this it is something to do with the straight 6 engine

if your boxster has a straight six it definately needs looking at!

[Geneve]

francisb said:

Katie F said:

They say not to worry about this it is something to do with the straight 6 engine

if your boxster has a straight six it definately needs looking at!

They all do it from 356 to 997, to varying degrees, due to the horizontally opposed (flat) cylinder configuration.

[Vesuvius 996]

It's normal. Don't worry. If it's hot and it smokes then get it checked out, but on startup they all that sir.....!

[Pugsey]

Yep - I've had two BoxsterSs and they both did it and I got the "they all do that sir". My 997S did it to a lesser extent too. It's something to do with oil being able to run back into the horizontal cylinders. I suppose if it was to have any effect at all it would probably be good not bad but, as others have said, I should stop worrying.

[thong]

change the oil seperator that should cure it.

[rich 36]

thong said:

change the oil seperator that should cure it.

whats one of those then,
Can I retro-fit one

[BliarOut]

Doubt the oil seperator will do it (Just had it done on my 996). TADTS to a greater or lesser degree first start from cold.

[thong]

BliarOut said:

Doubt the oil seperator will do it (Just had it done on my 996). TADTS to a greater or lesser degree first start from cold.

it will fix some had good results,it defo makes less.

[Yex]

A few Porsches of varying types and ages were doing this on Saturday at the Bedford track day. Was put down to not doing a run down lap after a few quick ones. Original poster says his event happened after "a spirited drive" so perhaps he didn't give the engine a chance to blow out any excess gases before switching off.

Yex

[thong]

rich 36 said:

thong said:

change the oil seperator that should cure it.

whats one of those then,
Can I retro-fit one

yes easy enough on a boxster it's on the o/s rear side of the crankcase.

[DucatiGary]

mine does it now and then on start up, 996 if it helps.

shes known to one of the lads as the ald smoker .. .. .. .. .. ..

[drhildr]

Mine too (GT2 996 Ruf) not everytime but a big puff of oil smoke now and then - I am told it's normal just as long as it does not persist beyond start up

[carfanatic]

Thanks for all the replies.

I am feeling a whole lot better now that I know my pride and joy is not busy self destructing.
I will mention the oil seperator to the OPC and see what they come up with.

On a seperate note.
This is my first Porsche and the realisation of a lifelong dream. I had posters of sports cars against my bedroom wall since I can remember. I owned a Lotus Turbo Esprit before this and it was quite a let down as far as sports car ownership goes. Did 3000 km in 3 years. :-(
I have done more km in the Boxster in the last 3 months. :-) That is what sports car ownership should be like. (I smile every time I see Porsche owners crying about reliability, build quality ext. Go look at the Esprit Forum!)

Next Porsche already in my sights. (Maybe in 2 or 3 years time)
Definately a 996 GT2 or GT3.

Going out in the Boxster now. Just love that car!