MX-3.com

ok i went on a trip for about 2weeks and left my mx3 in the garage. when i got back the car started differently. every time i start the car, a massive amount of smoke comes out of my exhaust for about 2-5 minutes.
Smoke only comes out of the engine when the car has not been driven for about 7 hours, anytime in between; nothing happens.
This has been going on ever since the summer of august and im wondering if anyone might know what the problem may be.

It sounds like it MIGHT BE your piston rings. Notice i said might be. It does sound kinda like symptoms from bad rings. You can do a simple compression test to rule that out though. So you can check that and start from there. Let us know the results if you do one.

Did you leave the car at home where someone might have driven it. I don't think anything can happen while the car is sitting that will suddenly cause smoke.
Mostly it is a cause of poor piston rings, leaky valve cover gasket. Could also be, but less of a chance, old plugs, wires, disty cap or rotor.


What color is the smoke, black or white?

It could also be condensation burning off this time of year. The garage is nice and warm and then you pull it out into much cooler weather when any water in the air is going to condense on/in your exhaust and burn off.

I had those exact symtoms at first but I am now having the engine miss on start up too. I posted Q's on this subject under "help cold start problems. Check the ISC. This was my issue (I believe...have not changed it yet and still smoking and missing on start up). All testing info on testing the ISC is posted. Good luck and hope this helps!

well i dont think that it is the sparks, because i had them looked at. At first i thought it was just build up Co2 in the top of the valvles but then that would mean it would all burn out once i finished driving 100km or so, but that was not it. im pretty sure there is sumthing wrong with my headers but stay tuned, and ill inform u guys when its fixed

i think i may try out a little more of that 'STOP BURNING' oil that they offer at canadian tire... i've used it once already since the car problem and nothings happened at all!

If it is white smoke than it is running lean.....best option is to check the fuel injectors.