Toyota Repair: 1993 Camry smokes at cold start up, valve stem seals, combustion chamber

Question
Hi Ted...

Within the past year I purchased my grandmother's 1993 Camry with the 2.2.  When I got the car it only had around 45,000 miles.  After about 6 months and putting on 10-15,000 miles, the car began to smoke on a cold start.  It only smokes on a cold start.  It seems that if you let it sit for 4 or more hours, it will smoke when you fire it up.  Someone mentioned to me that since it does have low miles and due to its age, it could have a bad/dried up valve guide seal.  Other than that the car is great.  Any input would be great.

Thanks Ted,
Andy

Answer
Unfortunately this is a common condition with the camrys, yes it's the valve stem seals that are causing the oil to get past the valve guides and into the combustion chamber, it's kind of an expensive repair(about $900-1,000) if the dealer does it but if the car is in great shape otherwise it's worth it, at the same time it may be a good idea to replace the timing belt if it has not been done yet, it's due to be replaced at 60,000 miles.