Big puff blue smoke once a month for last three months - replace AOS ?

[pbkirby]

Had the 04 Boxster S about 4 months. About once a month for the last three months I've had the big plume of blue smoke on start up. I drive it about 2 days a week maybe a 100 miles in total. The car is going in to the shop soon for the IMS retro fit, clutch service and new plugs. Replace the AOS at the sametime ???

[WhipE350]

I thought it was white smoke for AOS...donno could be wrong. Check the vacuum at the oil fill cap, shouldn't be a ton, just a small amount.

[randy_k]

If it's an Independent shop? Why not just ask them what they think before they do the other work. Quick question. Have you done the other tests to check it. Like pull the oil filler cap while it's running to see if there is excessive vacuum when you try to remove it? Like Whip said. HI Whip.

[pbkirby]

Nothing that I would call excessive.

[randy_k]

If they sit for long periods of time? They do blow a little smoke. Just the way it is. Just check your oil level about once a week and see if it's losing any. Probably not a big deal. But I would still check with the shop when it goes in for the other things. Great you're doing the upgrades IMS wise!

Randy

[ronster]

You will get occassional puffs of smoke on start up it is due to the design of the flat six motor. If the smoke goes from a puff to constant, during running, you've got a bad AOS.

[txhokie4life]

What I notice on mine is a mini fog machine, maybe 5-10 seconds.

I haven't pinned down when it will happen.

I think I notice it more often if I move it around the driveway (rotating car positions)
and then let it sit for a period of time. The next start-up I have my mosquito repellant.

mike

[ronster]

Originally Posted by txhokie4life

What I notice on mine is a mini fog machine, maybe 5-10 seconds.

I haven't pinned down when it will happen.

I think I notice it more often if I move it around the driveway (rotating car positions)
and then let it sit for a period of time. The next start-up I have my mosquito repellant.

mike

That's different than a puff on start up. Have it diagnosed.

[mikefocke]

Your mechanic can look at the air intake just after the connecting hose from the AOS dumps into it and, with P-car experience, will know in a flash if there is excessive oil and thus an AOS malfunction. Should take ~10 minutes and, if it is AOS, the area should be cleaned anyway up to and including the throttle body.

[WhipE350]

+1 on what Mike said, that's another great way to check the AOS.

txhokie4life - The only time my buffs blue is when I "I move it around the driveway (rotating car positions) and then let it sit for a period of time". I never worry about it because I was told this was normal with these engines if you don't actually drive them. It doesn't last 15 seconds...only a buff at start though...I certainly don't know if 15 seconds is normal.

[59coupe]

5-10 second Mini Fog Machine= probable failing AOS.

At least in my experience, there seems to be no rhyme or reason to the why and when. White smoke ,blue smoke, whatever, if you are filling the garage, suspect the AOS. If and when it fails completely you will know it, as the engine will misfire and throw all kinds of codes due to massive dumping of oil into the intake. This could cause other more expensive problems.

Replacing the AOS is not too difficult a job, with a little improvisation. Not too expensive either.

JMHO,
"Z"

[derfo]

Hi pb, I have had my car 9 months now, 02 Boxter S. When I park at home in the driveway slope, the next day when I start up a small cloud of blue smoke shows for a few secs then clearer's. When I park it in the flat covered way area at home or in the street I never see any smoke.

[59coupe]

Derfo, that sounds like oil leaking past the rings. Parking on the slope maybe submerging some of the cylinders, causing hydraulic pressure.
JMHO,
"Z"

[WhipE350]

PB - I just replaced my AOS because "I was in there doing transmission". My old one was just fine, I have it for sale on 986forum. If you want to try mine and it fixes your problem you can pay me...if it isn't the issue send it back. Only reason I'm selling it is to keep my man-cave clean and help someone out that is on a budget. It might have another 10k miles or 50k on it for all I know...I just know the vacuum level on my oil filler was exactly the same with the new one so I figure the old one is just fine.