1998 Camry V6 blows white-blueish smoke at cold start up

[frankscamry]

Hi,

My 98 Camry with the 3.0 litre engine and 107k miles is blowing white blueish smoke on cold startups. Yesterday it was standing for 6 hours after a 2-3 hour city drive and it was building up a cloud over half the street after starting the engine. BTW, service two months go put 15W40 in. The guy I bought it from was talking about compression issues which were resolved, allegedly.

Today, it got better, just a little smoke this time.

Blue indicates oil. Not loosing coolant, so probably no head gasket issue.

Not missing any oil, rather looks like it has too much in it. Not smelling sweet, rather acidic.

I suppose its somehow burning oil. One mechanic said without looking at it: "It needs a rebuilt. $ 4500"

What shall I do? I read about valve steam seals or something. How can they be replaced? How much does this normally cost? How important is it? what happens if I keep driving her without doing it?

AND: Where is a good and reasonable Toyota mechanic in Sydney (more or less central) which is not a dealer?

Thanks!

Frank

Edited February 13, 2012 by frankscamry

[trentmeyer23]

Valve Stem Seals are the most likely culprit(due to it sitting allowing oil to seep through and burn on start up), however, worst case scenario could be the pistons rings. Is the oil milky at all?