G'Day all! I have recently purchased a 1997 Boxster 2.5l with 67,000 kilometres (in Sydney) and have a couple of questions...

On start-up when cold, it blows blue smoke for a couple of seconds, then stops. Now I believe that old 911s do this as a matter of course but is this expected of a boxster, or does this mean that the valve stem seals (or worse) have gone?

Also on cold start-up, it makes a noise for a few seconds that on another car would sound like the hydraulic lifters had gone...again, normal or not?

I got it serviced when I bought and asked them to check the oil pressure and to listen out for the noise. The porsche dealer said the pressure was fine and they couldn't hear the noise but then it never actually got cold. I didn't know about the blue smoke then either.

Please either put my mind at rest, or give me notice to start saving!

 

It is normal for a puff of smoke at startup, it is still a horizontal engine like the 911. It should only be for a second or two. Anything longer than that, suspect a bad oil air seperator.

 

A latest technology car is far more different from old cars present in the market. Therefore, when it starts for the first time in a day it gives a puff of smoke. This is at most a normal activity of the car.