Burning oil on startup
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 65
Likes: 3
2013 C250 Coupe, 2013 C250 Sedan, 2004 Ford SVT Cobra, 2002 Toyota Tacoma 4WD
Burning oil on startup
I have a 2010 E350 with 72k on the odometer and I just started noticing blue smoke coming out of the exhaust on start-up. I did a search on this issue and the most common problem seems to be valve seals allowing oil to seep through when the vehicle is off then burns off when started. I just changed the oil with full synthetic Mobil 1 5w-40 and when I did the oil change I checked the level (as I always do) before changing it and the level was in normal limits. I guess my big question is is this a normal occurrence with this engine with this many miles? How long should I let this issue go before I get it looked at? This is my daily driver and I drive an average of 50 miles/day.
Thanks,
Brian
Thanks,
Brian
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 347
2011 E-350 4Matic Sport
If it's valve-stem issues then no, it's not normal. I don't have any idea about past maintenance on this car - are you the original owner, has the oil been changed regularly with correct spec oil, etc?
I would also check the pcv system - a clogged pcv valve can contribute to this condition as well.
I would also check the pcv system - a clogged pcv valve can contribute to this condition as well.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 65
Likes: 3
2013 C250 Coupe, 2013 C250 Sedan, 2004 Ford SVT Cobra, 2002 Toyota Tacoma 4WD
My father owned the car until his passing and I inherited it 1 1/2 years ago. I do know that he did all of the regular maintenance with the proper oil weight (always Mobil 1 full synthetic). I didn't think of the pcv valve being clogged; I'll check that out this next weekend when I get a chance. Thanks for the reply
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 56
From: East coast
2010 E550 4M P2 Distronic, CLK550 Cab P2
Is the smoke on every startup? I've read that if the cars are started and then quickly shut off (ie...moving it in the driveway) they may smoke on the next startup
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,854
Likes: 197
From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
No, not normal but everyone doesn't drive the same. Was your dad hard on his cars.....heavy accelerator when cold, rabbit starts, fast driving w/heavy braking?Are you sure it's oil being burned and not just steam coming out of the pipe (not doubting, just asking). Is there wet oil in the tail pipes? One indication of bad valve seals is when you let up on the gas while cruising it will smoke. Oil/fouling of spark plugs is another. EVERY car burns some oil but with today's technology it should be such a small amount you wouldn't even notice it. There were a few reports of scored cylinder walls but that would cause continual smoke. If it's not using a quart between changes I wouldn't even worry about it just drive and enjoy.
