I've driven this ES for about four years though its been a couple since I was here asking for help. For the past year or slightly more, I have exhaust smoke that doesn't smell like burning oil (as we'd commonly recognize) and I wouldn't describe it as "sweet" which might suggest coolant/head issues. I also wouldn't describe it as "rotten egg" which would indicate a failing catalyst. I would describe it as "bitter/sharp".

I've had no trouble lights during this year's state inspection, nor during last year's inspection, where I noticed the smoke beginning a couple of months prior. The odo showed 75k when I purchased it and now shows 155k. I do suspect weak valve seals, but think this situation might be unrelated. I've never had a vehicle with such high mileage, but surely want to "drive her til she dies". I'm willing to drop a grand if such advice could yield another 50-100k miles.

Please offer possible faults which are causing the smoke. Also offer self-diagnostic suggestions. Finally, suggest what tests I should/could expect from a certified shop. I may have been happier with the reliability of this car than any others I've owned. I've never raced it, but will admit to not making all of the recommended service visits either...

What is a realistic cost vs benefit for valve seal service? Why wouldn't I have a trouble light? I think the smoke to be considerable enough to trigger such a sensor.

Thank you, thank you

Brian

 

first off there are no "smoke" sensors that detect anything like that ...
If it affects the o2 sensor it might trigger


First test I'd run is a compression test, it will pinpoint if you have bad rings/valves or cylinders, with 150k I'm betting you have a weak cylinder or to and getting blow by


Does the car use any oil between changes ?
Gas mileage OK ?
Does it use antifreeze ?
when was the timing belt replaced ?