I started my 03 max this morning and when i looked behind me i saw a cloud of blue smoke. I only have 11,xxxx miles on her. Oil changed every 3k. whats up. this has happened only once. thanks

 

I would not worry about it if it has only happened once. Just keep an ey on it and make sure you check your oil level every couple of days to make sure it's not burning through your engine.

 

Joey,

I noticed the same thing a few days ago - haven't seen any other symptoms however..... so I'm just keeping an eye on it for now (2003 Max SE, 34K miles)

If you do happen to find out anything definitive pls post it on this site!

Thnx!

 

Sounds like you have a valve seal problem. If this only happend once it was probl after the car sat for a longer period of time. I would take it back to the dealer you might have a faulty seal and is prob under warrenty this shouldn't happen till 150,000 miles or so. After a while it might smoke every time you hit the gas or let it sit for shorter periods of time.

 

Its a daily driver, car really never sits thats why I was shocked when i saw it this morning. I will keep you guys posted. thanks for quick replies.

 

same happen here i have 16,xxx on my 03 but never happen again....

 

In general, this is what different color smoke means:
1. White = water or coolant is getting inside the combustion chamber
2. Black = mixture is running rich (soot)
3. Blue = oil is burning

For number three, a short lasting puff at start up usually means that your valve seals are going. While the car has been off, oil seeps around the valve seals into the combustion chanber. When you start the engine, the oil is burnt off. If the blue smoke persists past start up, then it ususally means that piston rings might be worn.

I suspect that what you saw was black rather than blue smoke. It sometimes happens that upon start up, the car runs righ for a few moments. Check your exhaust pipe tip for deposits. Flat black sooty stuff = carbon = rich mixture. Wet gooey black stuff = oil.