New to everything here. I've noticed that occasionally when I start up my R58 I get a puff of smoke. It's not all the time though. Would a catch can help with this? Is this anything to be concerned over? Thanks for the newb help.

 

I am not in any shape or form a technical guy, mine did the same and then as I waited at traffic light and when car idele for a bit,the problem with mine was bad valve seals, although I do have a Catch can now I don't think that will solve your problem it will help with Carbon build up. it's eather bad valve seals that allows the oil to get to the top or bad pcv.
Ben

 

From where ?
Engine bay, exhaust ?

 

Oh sorry exhaust. It's only a bit and only happens every now and then when I start it up.

 

You should add a signature which includes, model, mileage ect. Are you in a Turbo S model ?

Lots of tolerance with the prince engine's piston rings, it will let some oil by. How many miles on your MINI ? What's your oil consumption like ?

 

Done

 

Anyone?

 

Never owned a car that didn't emit a puff of smoke. Color? Dependent on outdoor temps? Goes away quickly? I would not worry unless it was all the time.

 

Just got off the phone with the dealership that did the last oil change. They put 5 quarts instead of 4.4. This could be part of the problem. Would this damage the motor?

 

You're getting close to needing your carbon build up removed. If you do it yourself it's about $50 in cleaning supplies.

 

Got a link on how to do it? Thanks.

 

Probably find something googling. Essentially you remove the intake manifold, spark plugs, turn the engine by hand closing the valves in a port and cleaning the port with the closed valves and repeat for each port until clean. It's a weekend job.

<edit> might even be a few old threads here.