Questions regarding VR wagon smokey engine and power steering "hiss".

[jayseventwo]

Hi guys,

I have a '93 3.8ltr VR wagon, and absolutely love it, but i find sometimes when i start my car, especially if it hasnt been started in a few days, it gets embarrassingly smokey! This seems to die off as the engine warms up, but it kinda looks like ive got a James Bond smoke machine until then! I have just had it serviced, so it has new oil, oil filter and sparks.

I was wondering what the common cause of smokey engines are, and where would be a good place to start looking to solve this problem.

Also,

When i turn my stearing wheel, i hear a "hiss". Now, i figure its the power steering leaking, but what i would like to know is what needs replacing, and what sort of cost would this be?

[jayseventwo]

I dont know if this makes any difference to the smokey engine question, but my wagon is an auto.

[Koontz]

Could be your valve stem seals causing the smoke only when you start it after leaving it a while.

[Mk III the HSV]

I would say Koontz is spot on with the engine smoke at start up. My car does the same, a big puff of smoke and then returns to normal. Doesn't do it every time you start it up, only on the odd occasion. Yes it is a little embarrassing Don't think it's anything to be too worried about , just need to keep and eye on ya oil level.

[jayseventwo]

Thanks guys, ill have a closer look in that direction!

[kapiti holden]

yep sounds like seals, see if it smokes when you take off from lights as well, if it does it is the seals

[jayseventwo]

Cool - can anyone tell me an approx. cost on getting a mechanic to replace these?

[dontsailbackwards]

Hey - does it use coolant ? Mine has done a valley gasket and is also blowing a puff of smoke if I start it hot after about 15 minutes. I think it's coolant leaking into the inlet manifold. Just a theory ...