my maxima smokes blue during startup in the mornings.it on does it for about 30 seconds to 60seconds.sometimes it smokes blue after getting off the interstate.I have a 1996 Se with 148,000miles.any suggestions?

 

"A motor with bad valve guides and/or rings gives off blue tinted smoke"

I googled that, not sure if it applies here or not

more google search shows..that blue smoke is an indicator of burning oil, bad piston rings and/or bad valve seals.

 

I'd place my bets on the valve stem seals. The key is more smoke upon start up, that definately points to leaky valve seals.

 

As they said... valves or rings.

Not much you can do about it though. You'll probably get another 50k out of her if your somewhat carefull. Change your oil frequently and check the level a lot. 200k is about all you can ask from the average Max motor, anything else is a bonus!

Sometimes stepping up the oil viscosity can help once it get's really bad. Only do this though if it's warm out. 20w50 on a zero degree morning is a bad bad thing....

-RMB