Smoke
 

I have noticed an occasional puff of smoke from my '05 4.4. It happens when I take off after idling in traffic for a few minutes. It is not consistant but when it happens it is quite noticeable. It clears up immidiately. Any thoughts?

Color of smoke?

White. Temp guage is center. Does not fluctuate.

White is usually coolant. The gauge is computer controlled so it has to be either too hot or too cool before it actually will move. Do not go by the gauge. Have the engine checked or go to xoutpost and search unlocking the hidden cluster features to get a true idea of the temperature and what could be wrong. If it is a head gasket or the like ignoring it will only result in a mega $$$ repair.

Thanks Zu. I'll make an appointment with my indy to check it out.

common problem

check ur oil

u guys sure its not the oil seperator valve (OSV) clogged? realoem has the pictures and part pricing. If the oil dipstick has gummy oil then its the OSV. I changed mine well my brother did the work, 10 hours later put together and no gummy dipstick and no smoke.

osv most likely

do the pressure regulator valve cause this?

I have been monitoring the condition. Smoke does appear blueish. Pulled into work today and got the check oil level message. Will see how much it takes and how many miles since last top off. I have service appointment on Thursday. Anyone have any pricing info on OSV replacement? Dealer? Indy?

OSV at back of intake manifold.

OEM Pic and Part # View for:
E53 X5 4.4i SUV, M62 (FB33) : Crankcase-Ventilation/oil separator

Thanks Mud

Oil leak
 

I have this same problem as we speak. I have a 2004 BMW x5 4.8is and was noticing whit smoke and mostly when I was idle at a stop light. Ive never noticed any actual leakage as far as from under the car just the smoke and occasionally the smell. My mechanic diagnosed it as valve leak and possibly bad rings. My estimatted cost for a fix is about $4,000. He suggested me to use a product by Lucus..I cant remenber the exact name but its in Auto Zone..a white tall bottle and says "stops oil leaks" on the front. He advised mme that this would kinda renew the valves and help reduce the leak for a while. So that i could work on getting together the money for the valve replacement. It has worked!!..I notice the smoking alot less and my oil levels are maintained longer

My mechanic is diagnosing bad valve seals. He found normal pressure and vacuum. I'm not convinced yet. If OSV is sticking intermittently perhaps those readings were taken while OSV was working properly.