2024 Mustang GT Light Bluish Puff Of Smoke.

[8915GT]

@MikeE55 Having the same issue, going to take it in again in a couple of weeks. Trying to figure a sure fire way to duplicate so I can tell the dealer what to do.

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[MikeE55]

Ok hopefully we all figure this out. I’ve never had a car do this. It looks bad in front of everyone to start it and a big cloud of smoke puffs out especially with a new car.

 

[LouG]

In my experience dealers will only investigate if oil consumption is excessive. And they'd certainly say to monitor it and put a couple of thousand miles on the car.

 

[8915GT]

In my experience dealers will only investigate if oil consumption is excessive. And they'd certainly say to monitor it and put a couple of thousand miles on the car.

So are you saying that people who have this issue are stick with it unless there excessive oil consumption? I mean it only takes a couple drops in the combustion chamber to create smoke.
And how many miles are you telling here?

 

[LouG]

So are you saying that people who have this issue are stick with it unless there excessive oil consumption? I mean it only takes a couple drops in the combustion chamber to create smoke.
And how many miles are you telling here?

I'm saying that's probably what a dealer would say.
If compression and leak down tests are within spec, and oil consumption is OK, what's a dealer supposed to do?

 

[8915GT]

I'm saying that's probably what a dealer would say.
If compression and leak down tests are within spec, and oil consumption is OK, what's a dealer supposed to do?

I would think replace valve stem seals since blue smoke is a symptom of a a problem

 

[LouG]

I would think replace valve stem seals since blue smoke is a symptom of a a problem

I don't want to keep talking in circles on this. I'm speaking as a qualified mechanic, although most of my working life was off the tools except for my vehicles.
Valve stem seals will not be worn in what is a barely broken in engine.
It's quite likely that the barely noticeable puffs of smoke will stop with some more miles on the car.
If not, the owner has notified Ford of a potential problem, so if it doesn't improve, or it gets worse, then he has a warranty to fall back on.
Drive more, worry less.

 

[robvas]

I'm saying that's probably what a dealer would say.
If compression and leak down tests are within spec, and oil consumption is OK, what's a dealer supposed to do?

They gave my buddy a couple free quarts of oil

 

[Skye]

I have not read each entry of this thread. On the topic of oil consumption...

At the beginning of S650 production, Ford did temporarily pause the line and hold cars before release due to an engine issue. I've never read what the specific concern was, but the "top end" and "cylinder heads" were referenced in several articles. Those issues were resolved. It was not identified if it was a design, part quality or assembly problem.

We have had at least one person have their valve stem seals replaced. They were seeing blue smoke consistently on virtually every start. That we've not seen a large number with this fault or a recall leans to an assembly issue. Maybe a new seal design or process is causing some of these not to hold their place correctly, IDK. The S650 Coyote is the newest generation, Gen 4.

Regarding general oil consumption, there is a procedure for that: Ford 303-00, Oil Consumption Test. This test is a series of discrete steps the technician takes to check and confirm consumption. Physical leaks, PCV valve, marking of the dipstick, regular checks, etc. As part of that test, the expectation is the Owner will lose no more than 1 quart every 500 miles, 800 kms.

From 303-00:

"When the subsequent indicator readings demonstrate a full liter (quart) has been used, record the vehicle mileage. The mileage driven should not be less than 4,800km (3,000mi for regular vehicles and 800km (500mi for Ford Performance vehicles). The drive cycle the vehicle has been operated under must be considered when making this calculation. It may be necessary to have the customer bring the vehicle in for a periodic oil level indicator reading to closely monitor oil usage."

From the 2024 Mustang Owner's Manual:

"High performance vehicles can be driven
in such a way that may lead to higher oil
consumption (this includes extended time
at high engine speeds, high loads, engine
braking, hard cornering maneuvers, and
track use). Under these conditions, oil
consumption of approximately 1 quart per
500 miles (1 liter per 800 km) is possible.
As a result, the engine oil level needs to be
checked at every refueling and adjusted to
maintain proper level to avoid engine
damage."

I can think of two things to accomplish now:

1. Begin monitoring and documenting the amount of oil consumption, consistenly. I perform several checks on my vehicles once a month. For this issue, maybe more often. Check the oil level the same way, same place, each time, every time. Document that with date, mileage and any details.

2. Begin a discussion with a Ford Service Advisor, open a case with Ford, so they see this as an Owner concern.

You could also consider having an oil analysis accomplished. Blackstone is well-respected for their kits and process. https://www.blackstone-labs.com/

After all that, monitor and see what comes about. If the OP has already taken these steps, and, consumption is within Ford's definition of, or, the smoke on start is not occurring consistently, I'm not sure Ford will do anything. That'd be another discussion between the OP and the SA.

Edit,

The references to oil consumption are not new or unique to the S650. The S550 used the same standard.

 

[LouG]

Another fairly sure indication of oil getting past valve stem seals is if the car emits a cloud of blue smoke after a period of overrun, such as throttle closed down a longish downhill stretch.

 

[MikeE55]

Thanks for all the info. I will pass this on to my son. He has had the car for 13 months and has about 12k miles on it. It’s been on and off through out. No rhyme or reason or temperature. May do it everyday for weeks then nothing for a month. It’s weird. It’s been at Ford 3 times of course can’t duplicate it. Coincidentally someone from Ford called after the last time and offered free oil changes to around 50k miles. I seem to be more worried about it than him. I’ve always been a Ford guy around lots of Chevy people and got my son into Fords. Just hate seeing the puff of smoke in front of everyone. Ha!! I will keep check on this post and update if we find out anything. Thanks

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