Saab Repair: smoke when starting, oil seeps, valve oil

Question
Rick, I own a 2000 Saab 9-3 with 41,000 miles.  Whenever I start the car, bluish smoke comes from the exhaust. it only does it for a few seconds. it does it a lot at first, then tapers off.  it does it only at startup. the longer it sits, the more smoke.  any advice would be helpful.  Thanks, Jack

Answer
Generally speaking, this problem is usually caused by a leaking valve oil seal. Oil seeps past the seal, and slowly enters the cylinder. Upon startup, the oil is burnt off, and as the seal leak is small, no blue smoke is visible once the engine has been running for a few minutes.