car repair question

[tooge]

I have a 2001 toyota sienna van. it has about 93,000 miles on it. About once a week or so, I notice that when I start it up there is a fair amount of bluish white smoke that comes out of the exhaust. It only lasts about 2 seconds then it is gone for another week. What gives?

[Donger]

I have a 2001 toyota sienna van. it has about 93,000 miles on it. About once a week or so, I notice that when I start it up there is a fair amount of bluish white smoke that comes out of the exhaust. It only lasts about 2 seconds then it is gone for another week. What gives?

Piston ring(s).

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

Undoubtedly someone is putting sugar in your gas. You'll need to get a sample and taste it to know for sure.

[Brock]

Could be a failing head gasket.

[Radar Chief]

Piston ring(s).

Could be a failing head gasket.

Or valve guide seals.
You’re burning oil and it’s most likely one of these three things.

[StcChief]

likely expensive trouble brewing. Change oil etc regularly? for 90K miles ? if not get it toa mechanic to test it.... (not a dealer)

[KCChiefsMan]

better check the lubricator valve and maybe add some steering wheel oil

[Phobia]

90k is time for a new timing belt. Don't take it to the dealership. Get a local shop who won't rip you off.

[Skip Towne]

Or valve guide seals.
You’re burning oil and it’s most likely one of these three things.

If it's only on start up I'll go with valve guides.

[KCChiefsMan]

90k is time for a new timing belt. Don't take it to the dealership. Get a local shop who won't rip you off.

unless you know the mechanic, getting ripped off is inevitable. At least that's been my experience. My last car I got 2 estimates to fix it and both were over $1,200 so I pretty much gave the car to a good friend who was in need of a car and his dad came into town with some tools and a few hours later and about $50-$100 in parts later the car was up and running.

[Fairplay]

Will a speedlube type of place use the same serpentine belt, the same type of quality?
I would imagine so. But im just assuming.

[MIAdragon]

Or valve guide seals.
You’re burning oil and it’s most likely one of these three things.

ding ding ding

[El Jefe]

Bluish/white smoke, your burning oil, could be intake, piston rings or like already stated valve guide seals.

[Frosty]

Maybe this thread will help?

Sienna smokes (http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ef19418?@564.7GwEaXp9xup@)

[El Jefe]

Will a speedlube type of place use the same serpentine belt, the same type of quality?
I would imagine so. But im just assuming.

Not necessarily there are belts that aren't top of the line, we use Dayco Belts and have great success with them.

[Chief Pote]

Check out this site. It has several technical service bulletins listed. I had a Camry that was repaired with the same condition and was covered under warranty.

http://www.lemonlaws.info/Bulletin-List.aspx?year=2001&model=SIENNA&make=Toyota

[Rooster]

Could be the muffler bearings.

[blueballs]

It's underage and smoking on your property
you could be held liable in juvenile court

[HemiEd]

http://www.lemonlaws.info/Bulletin-List.aspx?year=2001&model=SIENNA&make=Toyota

LMAO That has to be all bs, they never have any problems.

[tooge]

Why would it only occur once a week or so? does it have anything to do with humidity or something?

[Radar Chief]

Why would it only occur once a week or so? does it have anything to do with humidity or something?

Is it worse after the vehicle has sat for a while, day or so?
Usually has more to do with how long it’s sat than humidity or anything.

[tooge]

Is it worse after the vehicle has sat for a while, day or so?
Usually has more to do with how long it’s sat than humidity or anything.

Well, it did it this morning and I last drove it last night about 8 PM. It didn't do it yesterday morning and I last drove it prior to that about 8PM the night before. It is usually in the morning and it has happened once or twice in the afternoon after work (where it just sits)

[Phobia]

Last oil change? What are you running in it?

I just put Royal Purple synthetic in our Sienna and increased our mileage from 330 a tank to 362. I'm guessing the extra $20 per oil change is going to be well worth it with this fuel cost economy.

[tooge]

Last oil change? What are you running in it?

I just put Royal Purple synthetic in our Sienna and increased our mileage from 330 a tank to 362. I'm guessing the extra $20 per oil change is going to be well worth it with this fuel cost economy.

I'm an oil change freak. I will break appointments to make sure I dont get over 3500 miles. Last one was about 1000 miles ago. I go to a lube place and they put the " higher mileage" oil in, whatever that is.

[Phobia]

Have you actually checked the oil level since that change? I had my truck in the shop for some injection problems and when I got it back it was running sluggishly. I took it back to them and they went over it - couldn't find anything wrong.

I was preparing to take it back again when I checked the oil on a whim. It was incredibly low.

I doubt that's your problem but I won't take anything for granted any longer.