Lots of blue smoke-then none

Headsup · Post by **Headsup** » 22 Dec 2018, 21:45

Hi, I have a 1998 v70 XC I bought as back up.
Runs great, but sits for up to a week until I can start and drive it again.
The last two short drives (5-7 miles) had a lot of blue smoke from exhaust.
Never did that before.
After reading about different possibilities on this forum, I went to check it out again.
Started fine, no smoke, took it for a short drive (country roads, not plated) no smoke.
Came home, scratched my head, had a coffee, re started the car, revved it up a few times- no smoke.
Suggestions where to look if it does it again?
I've read all the trouble shooting possibilities, but nothing on lots of blue smoke then it just stops.
Below freezing temps where I live, haven't been too eager to even pop the hood, so it's developed this with out my intrusion.

Thanks in advance.

WhatAmIDoing · Post by **WhatAmIDoing** » 22 Dec 2018, 22:24

Mine smokes blue after sitting for a week or more at start up then gone quickly after. It's most likely aging valve stem and turbo seals. The seals dry out from sitting due to lack of regular lubrication, resulting in them leaking a little at start up.

Headsup · Post by **Headsup** » 22 Dec 2018, 22:40

Hi, thanks. Yes I am aware of that problem- been driving Volvos since 1971.
"some" blue smoke after sitting at start up is common for older vehicles.
I'm talking serious billowing for a couple miles, to a small store, have some-one mention "burning a bit of oil?", then drive a couple miles back home, smoking all the way.

two different days, a week apart.
Today, nada, ran as it should.
The car has been parked on a slight grade with the rear end higher than the front end, so I moved it after todays' non smoking day to a flat area.
but still weird.

Post by **abscate** » 23 Dec 2018, 04:01

It’s the seals, you just do things a bit different in Canada. Bacon, PMs, hockey, health care, civility, otherwise you all suck.

My 99 once dropped down a steep hill upon route 79 in ITHACA NY and then disappeared in smoke all the way across town for at least 3 km. Never done it since.

You might want to try high mileage oil like Mobil 1 Synthetic High Mileage

crlande · Post by **crlande** » 23 Dec 2018, 05:01

How could you forget maple syrup, eh?

Post by **abscate** » 23 Dec 2018, 05:04

crlande wrote: 23 Dec 2018, 05:01 How could you forget maple syrup, eh?

They import it all from VERMONT. Float it up Lake Champlain in tankers and then pipe it to all the Tim Hortons’