2002 Mazda Protege Smoking

2002 MAZDA PROTEGE
280,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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STRIBAST
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I own a 2002 Mazda Protege with 4 cylinder DOHC 2.0L engine. for the last 6 mos since the winter when the car starts it smokes alot in the beginning from the tail pipe for 10 mins or so. My mechanic told me its not an exhaust problem and the car burns oil. How do you repair this problem and why does engine burn the oil to point I have to replace it every 4 days? It doesn't smoke as much as the weather and temperatures get warmer and more humid. Thanks.
Jun 21, 2008 at 2:38 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi stribast,

You mean you have to top up engine oil every 4 days? How much needed and the distance travelled?

For the exhaust to smoke for a few mins during start up in cold weather is normal if there is no coolant loss. It is steam coming out due to condensation in exhaust.

But if the color is not fully white but a little bluish, then it is due to oil beiing burnt.

The valve seals would be the main culprit followed by the piston rings.
Jun 22, 2008 at 12:09 PM