VQ30DE Grey Smoke

[AcMav]

Recently my car has been smoking out of the exhaust excessively. When I first noticed it I checked the oil which was low, I added in more oil to correct this problem. Now a week or so later its still smoking (seemingly randomly, sometimes I feel like I'm blowing up, other times it drives fine). This leads me to believe that its not the piston seals and something like the PCV valve (I'm replacing it tonight, I couldn't get the hose off last night). If anyone has any ideas as to why my engine would intermittently smoke, I'd appreciate any ideas because right now, my I30 is scaring the crap out of me. It happens even at Idle, however if i apply throttle the smoke gets significantly worse (If i rev the engine I get a nice puff of Smoke). Help!

[mtcookson]

Moved from VG/VE. You actually have a VQ30DE, edited your title to reflect that as well.

[Mike G]

Grey smoke of course is either oil or coolant (more white-ish). Have you checked your coolant level as well? You could pull the plugs and see if they are oil wet. Could be that you have lost a piston ring or you may be getting oil in through the valves/seals. How many miles do you have on the motor? Does this condition go away after the car warms up? How has the weather been in your area, that could lead to more "smoke" if it's colder.--Mike

[AcMav]

Doh don't I feel like a noob for not knowing i had a VQ30DE.

My Coolant seems to be fine, Theres only 51k miles on the Engine and its always been maintained by myself or the local Infiniti dealership.

I haven't checked the spark plugs yet, but the condition is not effected by speed, engine temperature, or running duration. It happened today when I initially started the car this morning, but when I started it after work, It started up fine. Driving on a side street on my way back from work, Mid-street going about 20 Mph, I looked behind me to notice I just started emanating a smoke screen again. By the end of the street it stopped, where as in the morning, It continued for the whole ride to work. Its so random that it has me completely stumped. Its cold (Was close to 20 today) but the engine doesn't give off any smoke under normal conditions.

[AcMav]

I Figured I'd write this post to help out anyone who ever has the same problem. I pulled the PCV valve today and found that it was no longer functioning and covered in oil. After replacing it I am now smoke free If your smoking is intermittent and seemingly random, I'd check the PCV valve first