964 smoking

ralt12 · 06-29-2008, 07:27 PM

While a buddy of mine and I went to restart his 964 (very low miles, under 10,000), after sitting for about 2 1/2 years, we cranked it until we got oil pressure and then started it up. It was a bit like a mosquito fogger; it runs great, but lots of whitish smoke. Without thinking the really obvious--valve seal--is there any other possible cause of this? We let it run for a few minutes, and then restarted it later; at idle, no smoke, but then the smoking came back as temperature built and revs built. So we didn't run the car, but before we undertake a crazy expensive repair, we'd like to know if there's a simple solution. (fingers crossed).

FRED/LI · 06-30-2008, 03:29 AM

During that long layover, a significant amount of oil can migrate past the rings. I know the old 911 engine would have a lot of the tank oil move into the crankcase if left for a long time.
If you have oil pressure and adequate oil, feel confident that it won't hurt to run it and burn the oil off. It will take some time.
Also check to see if it is, indeed, coming from the exhaust as opposed to a leak burning off on the heat exchangers or exhaust pipes or muffler.
Seals can shrink on a layover.

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

2.5 years - oil on first start, no worries. If after every start, then probably valve guides.

ralt12 · 06-30-2008, 08:25 AM

Valve guides with under 10,000 miles? Really?

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

Not likely. I'm saying that white smoke after every start is an indicator of valve guides. After one start, particularly after a long sleep, is not a cause for concern.

911cedric · 07-01-2008, 12:54 AM

I confirm as everybody that you shouldn't worry about that.
Fred/Li explained the causes very clearly.
If your car slept for years in the garage, i would first make an oil change and top it manually to make sure that your oil is good and at the right level.
Watch out with the oil gauge, i already had several 964/993 with defective gauge,
at the shop. That's why i always prefere to check it manually.
Then, even if it smokes, i would take it for a long ride to burn all the residual oil in the crankcase and in the exhaust.

911cedric · 07-01-2008, 01:03 AM

and by the way, when you have worn valve guides, it's more likely a lot of smoke when cold and then less when hot as all the seals expand.

ralt12 · 07-15-2008, 10:46 AM

Thanks all for replying; we took the car for a test drive, and after 5 minutes or so of smoking, the car settled into its old self and is now as new. Which it should be, with under 10,000 miles. As an aside, the car is a 964 Speedster, and was taken out of storage because of the untimely passing of its meticulous first owner. His wife will be making the decision to sell/not sell in the very near future.

ralt12 · 07-15-2008, 10:46 AM

Thanks all for replying; we took the car for a test drive, and after 5 minutes or so of smoking, the car settled into its old self and is now as new. Which it should be, with under 10,000 miles. As an aside, the car is a 964 Speedster, and was taken out of storage because of the untimely passing of its meticulous first owner. His wife will be making the decision to sell/not sell in the very near future.