I have a 2004 Toyota Camry (4 cylinder) with only 64,000 miles. When the car has been sitting for a few hours, the exhaust emits a puff of white smoke when I start the engine, and quickly stops. I understand it is normal for white smoke to emit when it is cold outside, but it is very hot where I live. I've read that white smoke can mean the head gasket could be failing, but I find that hard to believe considering the engine is barely broken in considering it is a Toyota. I have not asked a mechanic about the issue yet, but I wanted to see what you guys' thoughts are.
Keep an eye on your temperature gauge. Anything higher than normal is indication of a problem.
Get a compression test.
Get the head gasket test kit and try it.
So just an update. I purchased the block tester kit, and the fluid remained the same blue color, and didn't turn yellow at all. My coolant and oil levels have both remained full, and my car has been operating at a good temperature (and I live in a hot climate). At this point, I'm fairly certain my valve seals are going, based on what others have reported online.
What did the compression test reveal?
It revealed no exhaust leaks, the fluid didn't change color.