Smokey cold start

[algorithm007]

Hello all,

I have a VZ SS LS1 with PWR supercharger, cams, exhaust (2.5 inch twin),
larger injectors (+surge tank), auto car (mods went on at 68000km). I drive it relatively mildly on the
road.

I have done about 113,000km on it. For the last 25000km I have alot had
smoke come out of car. It has been serviced many times (~ every 5000km)
with the usually changes (oil, sparks, tranny oil, fuel). So I am sure I take
of it mechanically well maintained. The car does eat a bit of oil though (not
too much).

However, I am getting a lot of grey/white smoke (not blue) on cold starts recently (last 20000kms). It will last for 5-10 mins then stop 100%. What could be the reason for this?

My usual mechanic (who did the mods) told me it had to do with some
oil getting forcefully sent the wrong area from the supercharger boost.
This sounds reasonable and the guy seems honest but I am not convinced
100% since it did not do this for the first 15000km after the mods.

There is no indication of a blown gasket etc.. Don't think the rings are worn
as this would cause smoke all the time.

Also, it is not there every time, only 75% of the time say.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks heaps

[VX2VESS]

Cold starts and idling or driving or both?

Cold start idling and driving can be valve seals as another alternative to what the mech said

[algorithm007]

Cold starts and idling or driving or both?

Cold start idling and driving can be valve seals as another alternative to what the mech said

Thanks for the reply. At both cases. Would that be expensive to replace?
Is there an easy test for the valve seal condition?

[Drewie]

Are you sure it is not just steam from water that has collected in the mufflers,
you say it is white or grey usually if it is oil it has a blue tinge to it.
You would be surprised at how much condensation collects in the exhaust and it takes a while for it to boil off. I removed a rear muffler once and I reckon close to a half a litre of water ran out when I tipped it up. Maybe it needs a good long country run to remove any water that may have collected.

[algorithm007]

Are you sure it is not just steam from water that has collected in the mufflers,
you say it is white or grey usually if it is oil it has a blue tinge to it.
You would be surprised at how much condensation collects in the exhaust and it takes a while for it to boil off. I removed a rear muffler once and I reckon close to a half a litre of water ran out when I tipped it up. Maybe it needs a good long country run to remove any water that may have collected.

Thanks. To be honest, I might not be good at deciphering
the smoke colour. All I can say is that it is not white smoke.
It is darker than the usual condensation colour.

Having a look now, it may be bluey grey (but still very grey).
Not pitch black

[VX2VESS]

The mech who did the work, he should know if not thats a worry...

Rings can be diagnosed with a simple compression test.

Could be numerous things, rings, valve seals, the blower leaking oil into the intake, the pvc system incorrectly setup can't use the standard setup with a blower. I'd check the pvc system first seeing the mech has said it something to do with this, he seems to be saying its rings (maybe seals) until it warms up so crankcase pressure issue? What is the boost at idle cold?

Valve seals are cheap from the USA, not hard to do either...but no sense getting them until you know what the issue is.

[algorithm007]

The mech who did the work, he should know if not thats a worry...

Rings can be diagnosed with a simple compression test.

Could be numerous things, rings, valve seals, the blower leaking oil into the intake, the pvc system incorrectly setup can't use the standard setup with a blower. I'd check the pvc system first seeing the mech has said it something to do with this, he seems to be saying its rings (maybe seals) until it warms up so crankcase pressure issue? What is the boost at idle cold?

Valve seals are cheap from the USA, not hard to do either...but no sense getting them until you know what the issue is.

Thanks again for the reply. This was very informative for me. Is it intrusive/costly to check the pvc system? This fits the criteria in theory. Cause once it warms up, no issue exists.

[VX2VESS]

Thanks again for the reply. This was very informative for me. Is it intrusive/costly to check the pvc system? This fits the criteria in theory. Cause once it warms up, no issue exists.

the pvc system is external so no, easy to check. does it have a catch can attached with pipes somewhere on the outside of the motor? pvc won't be the cause but it can contribute to a another issue forcing more oil through when cold.

Ok a simple question how much oil does the car use? that should say if its oil smoke.

could also be fueling on the cold tables, it a matter of checking everything to find the cause can be anything so far an maybe others

really hard to say without looking at the car what it is...
your in Sydney i see take it to Sams performance, marannos or russo all have done boosted cars. Sam is a great engine builder btw.ask them what is is and how much to fix..

[algorithm007]

the pvc system is external so no, easy to check. does it have a catch can attached with pipes somewhere on the outside of the motor? pvc won't be the cause but it can contribute to a another issue forcing more oil through when cold.

Ok a simple question how much oil does the car use? that should say if its oil smoke.

could also be fueling on the cold tables, it a matter of checking everything to find the cause can be anything so far an maybe others

really hard to say without looking at the car what it is...
your in Sydney i see take it to Sams performance, marannos or russo all have done boosted cars. Sam is a great engine builder btw.ask them what is is and how much to fix..

That sounds like the best solution.

Thanks mate

[VX2VESS]

That sounds like the best solution.

Thanks mate

ok come back here and post what it was so could help someone else in the future with the same issue.

it is hard to say without looking at cars same issue can have different answers from one car to the next. process of doing the right checks.

you can say it will be one of these things, but which one without looking is hard. its like calling the doctor and asking to fix it over the phone...