Smoke.

[halfram]

Hi all. 
I have a 2009 Outback diesel. My third Subaru (best was 2005 Forester XT). 
I get an annoying blast of burnt oil from one exhaust on start up. 
last service too much oil was put in by the garage. I had only just bought the car so not sure if oil puff was there previously. 
mileage is 130k. Is smoke expensive news?

 

[Siluro]

How badly was it overfilled and how long did you drive it like that? Overfilling is bad news as oil gets pushed through the seals?

I overfilled my gearbox once ended up pushing oil past seal and contaminated the clutch, I learnt that lesson over 30 years ago. Took me ages to clear out the bellhousing. You live and learn, hopefully not the hard way. Youth knows best lol

 

[halfram]

Unfortunately mMay last year and I left it. 
Mir has 6.3 litres in when handbook says 5. Something? 
masked them to take some out it was still slightly over dipstick. 
still very high so not using much oil?

[Siluro]

If still over filled then drain some out, the oil expands when it gets hot. If you drain some and the smoke stops then your ok. Remember it is a flat engine so probably even more important not to overfill. (never overfill any engine)

[halfram]

It’s not overfilled now and perhaps the overfilling is a red herring. 
I bought the car and immediately had it serviced, new clutch and flywheel. 
didn’t notice the oil puff on start up until after the service as had never driven it. 
skk OK perhaps the question I am asking is - is there a cost effective cure for the puff of oil on start up or do I live with it or is it terminal?

[Siluro]

You say it was over filled by 1.5 litre but do not sound sure. Overfilling that much is not good. If it was me I would check all the breather pipes and clear them out and live with it. As it was overfilled I would expect these to be full of oil too. It may just go away once it has cleared. Maybe someone wiser can point you in the right direction.

[halfram]

Thanks for your help. Really appreciated.