2001 SAAB 9-5 exhaust smoke

DCHENONG

MEMBER
2001 SAAB 9-5
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
104,000 MILES

My Saab 95 smokes blue smoke for about 2 minutes after I start it cold. Once it is warmed up it doesnt smoke at all. The oil level does not drop in between oil changed, and the coolant level remains the same. Also I dont detect and oil in the coolant, or any coolant in the oil. I had the turbo rebuilt about 6000 milles ago, so unless I am very unlucky (which is possible) I dont think the turbo seals are bad. I pulled the rubber boot and hose off of the intake manifold, and there is a slight amount of oily residue coating it (no pooing though). My next thought is doing a valve job, but I'm not one-hundred percent sure if these simptoms are valve related. Looking for some advise

2 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Your description of smking on startup then goes away is classic for bad valve seals. Your right Turbo seals will suck some oil.

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Friday, July 31st, 2009 AT 3:26 PM

RICKMAR

MECHANIC
170 POSTS

Docfixit hit it right on the head "Bulls-eye" no question about it. Valve guides.

A small amount of oil seeps into your cylinder/cylinders and when combustion comes into play. The oil burns up quickly and puffs out a small amount of smoke. Only to wait for the car to sit again and repeat the process. Not a real biggie I'd live with it. Although 104,000 miles is very unusual for such low mileage. That mileage is considered just broken in for a SABB. But a quart of oil that lasts months and months is a lot less than the needed repair.
If you were putting up a smoke screen for the U.S. Navy. And polluting the air. People choking near you, behind you and on the streets. That would be another story.
In that case I would get it repaired.A small puff is really nothing.

Rick