My 2001 AE has 200k, on start up i get sometimes a thick white cloud or a thin blue cloud of smoke. But only on start up! It doesnt smoke while driving. Now when driving it idles high and braking is difficult at times. Im thinking when funds are available i want to change spark plug tube seals along with the entire throttle body assembly. I am hoping i dont have to change the motor. Im also losing oil, maybe its the precat clogged because it runs sluggish at times, no low end power

 

Any codes? beautiful car btw always wanted a blue one, cant find em anywhere.

 

Blue/white smoke MAY indicate coolant burning. Check the FAQ's on the sticky threads on that one.

Maybe there is coolant leaking through the IACV throttle chamber then being sucked down into the intake.
If you look closely at the new IACV part there is a slinky gasket that seals the coolant out.
It's not much and could leak. I didn't see any torque specs on the screws so there is no way to determine how tight those screws are.

It's just a shot in the dark on my end of the wire.

 

sounds real familiar I'm in the process of the exact thing with my 2001 Max GLE. Please keep me posted.

There's a great How To thread for cleaning the throttle on the 4th gen sticky threads/motorvate.

 

Yes the only code coming up is an o2 sensor. The light goes up off and on about every week. Do.you think replacing the throttle body will cure this hi idle and smoking issue? I can also hear a vacuum leak somewhere while running.

 

Thanks ! I love these bodystyles but i only wish it was a 5spd. I gave it to my wife so i want to get ot running at its best! I know it needs suspension also

 

This could be a fuel system issue. If the injector was leaky it could cause this issue.

 

A cracked oil ring on a piston will give you a white puff of smoke on start up and also after the engine has idled for a bit and you then step on the gas.

 

I hear ya with a new throttle. I personally think a new fuel pump&strainer/ injectors/regulators/filter would improve a lot on mine at 15xxxx miles.

Basically rebuild the fuel system.

 

Variable intake stuck in short runner mode would make it weak on low rpm performance.

 

What does AE translate to American Edition?

Also that the car when started it starts all the injectors shoot fuel at one time (simultaneously) then when it's started the injectors fire in sequential order(One cylinder at a time)
Should that cause smoke? I don't know but at 2xxxxxmiles I'd say a thorough look into the intake + throttle + injectors?

 

OH Anniversary addition? Right 20th anniversary.