Sentinelist

Well it didn't do this at the mechanic's shop 2 weeks ago of course, but after driving it home and sitting for a week (then another week), I'm getting what looks and smells like exhaust smoke coming out of the header on startup. I can't tell where the leak is specifically, but it goes away after the car warms up (5 min idling?). I had the shop use Mobil1 15W-50 that I provided along with a Mobil1 filter. I believe 6 qts, dipstick check just now is full to the line. Did a brief search on here and am seeing that the wrong torque on the filter, or even the wrong kind of filter, can produce some smoky effects. Though I wonder if I may coincidentally just have a header gasket leak.

Is it OK to drive on (as I did on a brief 3 mi. run late this evening, runs fine)? Will this go away after a few more startups? Should I call my mechanic back and go 'WTF mate'? My S8 needs to go down for a bit now, so I'm hoping I can start driving the 951 for the next month.

Butters944

I'd change the filter real quick, 3 dollars and 30 seconds, to verify an issue, then maybe go WTF M8.. I feel like if it goes away after a few minutes you're fine to drive on it... Though I can't see how much smoke you're talking about.

xsbank

Given that there are no new problems in your car, removing the oil filter typically leaves oil all over the filter-mount area and my experience is that most people (except me!) just sort of wipe about with a rag and the rest of the residue drips on the suspension and the steering boots and some gets on the manifold... ergo bingo smoke. You probably just need to get some Simple Green (or equiv.) and spray it around the area and wash it down and it will likely stop the smoke. That's not a bad idea anyway to see if you are plagued with other oil leaks.

John_AZ

$3 for a 944 oil filter?

Butters944

Alright, more like 10, my bad..

mytrplseven

I spray area with gunk and hose off after 10 minutes following a filter change. Like with all other filters I've ever changed, clean the area of the block where the filter goes, put a little engine oil on the O ring on the filter, spin it on until it bottoms and then turn another 3/4 turn to seat. Never fails. See if there's a leak in the front end of the cam tower. That's a common place for oil on the exhaust manifold.

Sentinelist

Thanks, guys- I'm hoping that's it. I started it 4x since I posted this and no smoke. I'll watch it closely the next few days but it may be ok now.

gtroth

Does the Mobil 1 filter have the anti-drainback valve like the Mahle's do?