Oil smoke! WTH??? (Help please)

**MrC1** · 02-25-2008, 12:44 PM

My CSRT8 has 8500 miles on it and seems to run perfectly. A few days ago I came out in the morning and started it up and noticed a nice large cloud of oil smoke for the first 5 secs of running. It filled half of the garage, but then went away quickly.

The next day, after sitting all night, it did it again.

I've noticed that it doesn't do it unless it's been sitting for a long time.

OKAY, at this point it sounds like a valve guide or vlave stem seal issue to me. Classic symptoms. But, when I started it this morning, NO SMOKE. WTH? Too weird. I'm thinking maybe the problem cylinder might have been resting with the valve closed this time, prventing the problem.

Anyone have any issues like this on a newish 6.1L?

**Mag Dr** · 02-25-2008, 01:32 PM

I've had the same issue, not a 6.1 but 5.7.
My 05 Mag did the exact same thing and my 07 Mag also, only if it sat 2 or 3 days.
The first time my 05 did it I freaked out, thought someone was playing a bad joke on me, shut it off and checked all under the hood, no leaks or low oil level, it was so bad it covered the car in smoke.
I have not investigated the source, but as you said, it would likely be a guide or seal problem.

Dave

**Magnum375 Jr** · 02-25-2008, 01:45 PM

This i Believe is what the catch can stops, I have a feeling it stops oil from traveling back to the intake, but I'm not so sure on that...but the puff is normal.

**1fastsedan** · 02-25-2008, 01:46 PM

The HEMIs are known to have oil blow-by from the PCV valve into the intake manifold. This oil mist coats the inside of your intake manifold. When the car sits for a few days, the oil pools behind the valves and then gets burned out on start-up. A catch can should stop this from happening. Many guys here are running them and they really help with the smoke on start-up and the black exhaust tips. Here is one specifically made for our cars.
http://www.billettechnology.com/Merc...Code=Catch-Can

EDIT: Damn, Magnum375 Jr. beat me to it while I was getting that link.

**goldsmi** · 02-25-2008, 01:57 PM

Definitely time for a catch can.

**Super T** · 02-25-2008, 02:09 PM

Common problem, buy a catch can if it bothers you.

**Husker** · 02-25-2008, 03:27 PM

I used to have alittle smoke on startup ( I drive the crap out of my SRT) but since I put a catch can it stopped. You will have to remember to drain it ever few weeks, it will suprise you with how much crap it catches!!

**URToast** · 02-25-2008, 04:44 PM

I opted to go without the catch can, thats how I lubricate my spark plugs.

**MrC1** · 02-25-2008, 11:59 PM

Thanks guys! I had no idea!

I'm guessing I built up some oil in there doing my 0-60 tests (see my Jet chip test results thread) and then let the car sit over night. Makes sense now!

I'd think you'd want to keep all that oil outta the intake to keep your valves and plugs clean. Some of that oil is probably caking on the back of the intake valves!

**NOTPAID4** · 02-26-2008, 12:37 AM

Phew... my car just starting doing this too.. 06 MAG SRT8 (2700 miles).
Thanks guys, for all the info... Jim

**cromagnumman425** · 03-01-2008, 11:27 AM

Yeah I noticed it on my 600 mile car. I will probably get a catch can sometime this summer. Can anyone tell me if the can causes a warranty issue?

**DaddyGoFast** · 03-03-2008, 11:40 PM

Mine does not do it. I have an 06 MSRT with 8800 miles. I am kinda glad that it does not, just find it odd.

**Smoove06CSRT** · 03-04-2008, 12:19 AM

LOL... if mine ever stops this smoke on startup..... i will take her to the dealer......LOL

**lightningbrett** · 03-04-2008, 11:38 AM

Yes, mine does it too!!!! And it has "lost" 4 quarts of oil, that have appeared in the coolant resevior!!! Dealer flushed block 5 times, now Chysler is buying my 13,000 mile 2006 MSRT8 back from me, instead of fixing my car! Anyone got a black one for sale cheap?