W124 e36 starting with fuel smelling blue smoke?

[joeywarren]

Hi all,

hopefully someone can help!

I have a genuine E36 W124 estate, with 91k. It has an issue on cold starts whereby it takes a few turns to get going, then basically throws out blue unburnt fuel smoke from the rear - for about 30 seconds, then it's fine after that - no other issues. I have had coils, plugs, HST etc all replaced as a matter of course.

Any ideas where to go next would be appreciated!

thanks!

 

[rf065]

Blue smoke is burning oil usually.
If only on startup from cold every morning, probably valve stem oil seals.

Russ

 

[Xtractorfan]

Yes I would second that, oil seeping down overnight into the piston chambers, you could try one of the many oil additives and see if it clears up the problem. there is also a seal rejuvenater additive available..

 

[kth286]

see urgent message on your post in other forum.

 

[joeywarren]

thanks David - yes have seen & replied.

Xtractorfan, rf065 - thanks for your suggestions I will be looking into the cylinders through the plug-holes to see if there is any fuel leaking into there overnight - and also will be asking another specialist to look at it from a valve stem seals point of view.

I will return with the findings & costs! (gulp)

 

[5907]

Weird; I don't think I've ever heard of an M104 with Valve seal issues

 

[kth286]

Weird; I don't think I've ever heard of an M104 with Valve seal issues

Agreed - Same reply as mine on the other forum.

 

[Xtractorfan]

One way of checking this is to let the car coast downhill with the engine on the overrun, then press down on the accelerator and you should see a cloud of blue smoke from the exhaust..

 

[Camping]

Agree about the valve stem seals as the possible main cause. Something else that can cause it is brake fluid leaking into the vacuum booster and being sucked up into the inlet.

 

[e36bob]

blue exhaust smoke

My 1996 E36 AMG estate has 189000 miles and if she is not started regularly, she occasionally puffs a very very small amount of blue smoke from start up. She has 21 service stamps so has had regular oil changes, and doesnt us any oil between servicing.
She is currently Star motors in Caversham Reading for an occasional slip in second gear so hopefully not too expensive.