I noticed a cloud of white smoke coming out of the exhaust during idle just after installing HKS Hiper exhaust and downpipe.Happened again second time during idle after a drive and this is with engine all warmed up.Now,I have not notice any more smoke coming out and it's been nearly 7 months now since the second smoke sighting.Engine oil level never drop.Mine too MY98.Anyone else encountered this before??

I am also experiencing similar "bluish" exhaust smoke only on the first start in the morning (MY98 10K miles). The car is garaged overnight but overnight temps are quite low. Any explanation would be helpful ?.

PS oil levels appear to be OK

Maybe I'm just being paranoid but...

When I first start my 98 WRX, it puffs out a few clouds of something that isn't steam (i.e. it doesn't disappear quickly but hangs around like "oily exhaust"). Is this normal? Once the initial puffs have gone, the exhaust seems clean as a whistle - even under the most stressful of conditions(!). Am I worrying too much, or could this be a warning sign of something bad about to happen!?

Does anyone else notice the same thing?

I think it's probably due to the extra fuel being used first thing in the morning whilst the car starts on fast idle.

Mine produces lots of what looks like water vapour first thing, but it disappears once the engine is warmed up. If oil levels are fine and it only does it first thing then it's probably nothing to worry about.

I don't know wether this of any help or not, but I was having the same oil burning promblem with my MY98 when I first got it. The dealer checked it out, and all emmisions checks were OK yet there was a reduction in oil level, so it had to be going somewhere. After a while I worked out how to reproduce it, but not what causes it. If the car is allowed to cool down, and then only started for the roll into the garage the following morning you could guarantee blue smoke, the longer it was left before driving (ie the weekend) the more the smoke. If I put the car straight into the garage there is never any smoke the following morning. I am not exceptionally mechanical, but could it be that the oil seals or maybe the rings, do not seal until the engine is hot, and consequently starting the car solely to put it away allows oil to collect, only to be burnt off. It may be a coincidence, but since I started putting the car away without allowing it to cool right down I have seen no smoke, and the oil level never changes.

Cheers
Josh

I reported this fault to my dealer on my UK MY98. He also, is of the same opinion as JohnS. Extra fuel along with some residual crap in the manifold, being more prominent with a bigger exhaust. Once the car heats up no further problems.
If the smoke is still present once the engine is warm, then worry.

My MY97 did this for the entire 20K miles I drove it, but never used any oil. Dealer said there was no problem with car - 'Some of them do that Sir'. I will let you know if it occurs on my MY99.

My friend's 97MY did this as well until he changed his oil to Millers - car has been right ever since - engine is quieter too.

My 95 Car seems to produce a bit of Steam & smoke when first started from cold.
The smoke/Steam goes after about 5-10 mins & oil levels seem OK.
The car does live outside & sometimes doesn't get used for a few days..
My 200sx also did pretty much the same in cold conditions & again never used any oil

I had this problem with my MY97 and now it's fine. It was a simple as changing to a thicker engine oil. I use to use "Mobil 1" (full synthetic and 5W-50) now I use "Shell Helix Ultra" (part-synthetic 15W-50). Apparently Mobil 1 is too thin for the engine. I will actually on the next service start using "Shell Helix Ultra +" (full-synthetic 15W-50).

Cheers,

Nionio