Mechanic Question

Hey guys, I have a question for the more mechanically inclined. I have a 2008 PreRunner V6 with 60,000 miles. I noticed a couple weeks ago a blueish grey puff of smoke upon initial cranking of the truck. With my work schedule being 24hr shifts the truck does sit a few days between cranks. Also changed the spark plugs and seemed to have a little oil on the threads. I’ll see if I can find them in the trash can and upload pictures. Truck runs strong and has no idle issues. Maybe a valve stem seal going bad? Doesn’t smoke any other time than the initial start up after it’s sat a couple days. I’ve had this truck for several years now and haven’t any problems out of it so I’m hoping I can catch any issues quickly and keep her for several more. Thanks guys!

 

That definitely sounds like valve guide seals.

 

Agree, those are classic symptoms of worn/damaged valve stem guide seals. Check the plugs to see if it’s just one plug, or several. If just one plug, a stem seal on that plug is probably split. The heads usually have to come off to replace them. If several plugs ate fouled, then that tends to indicate worn out stem seals and you might have some luck with an oil additive.

But I don't think most stem guide leaks would show oil on the threads. If so, then you probably just need to replace the valve cover plug seals. They come in most valve cover gasket kits. If you’re lucky, that will fix the smoking but I think you have two issues here.

 

Sounds like valve guide deals but isn't that unusual for such a low mileage engine ?

 

You could monitor your oil level. Snap a picture so you have a reference level & date. Check it after it’s sat overnight & before starting.

 

I’ve been told that it’s a classic sign of a PCV valve that’s gone bad.

 

Truck is 15 years old, sometimes age is more important than miles. That's only 4000 miles/year. It probably sat for long periods of time not being used which is hard on a vehicle. I'd trust a 15 year old truck with 160,000 miles more than one with 60,000.

 

My Tundra also does this, I guess it's common on those engines. Changed the PCV, no change. Going to run BG EPR in it in the fall at my next oil change to see if it helps clean up carbon deposits. Doesn't burn any oil so I don't worry about it right now. I've also read oil level being too high might cause it but mine is right in the middle of the markings. I know some went through with new heads, valves, seals and guides, etc and it still did this. Anyway I'm hungry now, peace.

 

Is the oil level going down slowly? Coolant level?

 

Just checked the oil level. It’s fine. Kinda weird. Also haven’t seen it smoke the last couple times I’ve been paying attention ‍♂️‍♂️

 

Oil level hasn’t budged. Idk what’s going on also haven’t seen it do it the last couple times I’ve driven it either. It’s just like eeeeeeevery now and then.

 

Take it out and blow the snot out of it....