Nissan Repair: 02 spec v hard starting and evap problem, canister purge valve, nissan sentra ser spec v

Question
Hello Mr.Sudderth, I just purchased a 02 nissan sentra ser spec v last week and it gives me a problem today.

In the morning, when I tried to start the car, it just don't start and the temperature outside is not that low, about high in 30. After I give it more gas, it started but there was some blue smoke came out of the exhaust and it smells like the engine just burned some oil.

Another problem that the car has right now is the check engine light is on, I took it to a repair shop and people there tell me that the car has a evap leak problem and I need to take it to the dealer to do a smoke test before the problem could be fixed.

I wonder if you could give me some ideas about what is going on with it and how to fix the problems? If I take the car to the dealer, how much will it cost to get the car repaired?

Thank you for your reply.

Answer
Bo,

First, the evaporative system is a known problem.  Have the hoses checked to see if the ones from the evaporative system are defective and that the canister purge valve is working.  

The oil could be that the car needs an oil change, the engine was dry when started.  But, it could be the the car was driven hard by the previous owner.  Change the oil and have a compression test done to be sure that the rings are good.

The hard start is probably linked to the fact that the car needs a tuneup.  Change the plugs as a minimal and use Lucas injector cleaner.  I am saying this one by name since Nissan does not revommend injector cleaners and I have personally destroyed injectors and a fuel pump with the more corrosive variety of injector cleaners.  I have used Lucas successfully for years so that is just my take on the injector cleaning.