Oil smoke on start, parked uphill, low miles

I had a strange thing happen today: on engine start at high altitude (over 10K) after letting it sit about 4 hours, I got a pretty significant puff of oil smoke out of the exhaust when I started the engine. It didn't continue once it was running, just a puff.

The truck only has about 11K miles on it, shouldn't be doing such things. Only thing I could figure is that it was parked uphill. For those of you who know these engines, is there some way that being parked up an incline can cause oil to leak into one or more of the cylinders, perhaps through the valves?

One other thing, probably unrelated, is that I'm smelling an anti-freeze smell around the radiator when the engine is warm. But I don't see any leaks, other than some staining around the radiator cap. Thanks for any ideas about either of these problems.

 

Where were you at 10K feet in elevation? I would imagine, that would have something to do with the coolant issue.. Water boils at a much cooler temperature when you are that high up (however, I am no expert).

I heard that fuel filters can get clogged pretty easy at that elevation also.. You may want to have that checked if you did a lot of driving at that elevation.

 

If you're under warrantee, take it to the dealer.
As far as the incline.... no....it shouldn't be burning oil even on an incline. Unless you're offroad and on an extreme incline or roll the truck...maybe (laugh).

Check your overflow tank....are you loosing antifreeze? My truck was loosing antifreeze - where my overflow tank was near the bottom. The radiator cap had staining around the edges. I cleaned it off once...and the staining came back. So, I called the dealer (I was still under warrantee) and told them I suspected my cap was leaking but wasn't sure. They checked the system, replaced the cap, and topped off my fluid. It's been good for a year so far.

 

I wouldn't worry about the puff of blue at start up: it's really quite common. But if you ARE worried take it to the dealer who will doubtless tell you the same thing. In ADDITION they'll tell you that it's normal until you're losing more than a quart every 700 miles or so.

I can't see what altitude or parking on an incline could have to do with it.

I've noticed the same smell of antifreeze: the overflow bottle is on the radiator shroud and fumes escape from it. I've even noted dried antifreeze on the shroud below the cap vent of the overflow. The radiator's not leaking, just drips from the overflow bottle cap vent.

Take your concerns to Toyota if you want, but the truly are not worth rushing in. Make it your next scheduled maintenance.

 

I have a 2006 Prerunner, and it did the same thing parked on an incline, also did it a couple of time parked level ( when it had lower milage as well) It only did it maybe 5 times and it hasnt done it for about 2 years now. Never had the prob. checked didnt think the dealership would do anything any ways, But I'm greatful that it has gone away. So I wouldnt be too concerned about the smoke.

 

minie does the same thing. my rack and pinion is bad and it will leak from around the boot only when i am parked uphill.

 

The same thing happend to me today in AZ. a puff of smoke. I had my back to the truck and the smoke blew right into me and it smelled like fuel and oil. This was the second time this happened to my 08 taco. The first time was @5k and now today @10K WTF!!!!

Both instances the truck was sitting for over 24hrs and parked at an incline.

the funny thing that i still remember from the first instance when I took my truck in for its service I told the service writer. "Yeah notes......ALOT of smoke upon start up before going to work a about a month ago." That asshole told me that was usual and it happens......I was pissed and explained it again that this was a one time thing and i can't prove it to him but new shit should not smoke like an old vehicle on a cold start. i thought....yeah your right like you know it all and dont even own a damn toyota.....lol so far my investment is going good I have not lost faith in toyota just that douche.

 

But he was right. It is completely normal for these trucks. Mine did it when new and will still do it if parked on an incline. BTW, I've now had my truck for over 6 years/100K miles, and it stills runs like it was new.

 

Excessive blue smoke is worth worrying about. Intermittant puffs are fine. Consistent blue smoke on start and hard accel is a sign of worn valve seals.
white smoke is coolant or condensation, black smoke is fuel.

 

Thanks for your input. You both have put my mind at ease. I'm always getting someone elses problem when buying used. I just wanted to ensure I was taking the best care of my taco.