Need a miracle

Archer999 · #1 10-11-2006, 09:43 AM

Ok I have smoke coming up from under my hood. I have been trying to find and eliminate this problem. If you have a guess feel free to throw it out there.

Here is a pic of where the white smoke is coming from.

It does not do this if I just crank it and let it idle. It only does it if I get out on the road and get it nice and warm.

I have recently changed the PCV valve. The car drives great. I have to get this smoke problem eliminated. please help. It has had this problem since I got this car.

davew833 · #2 10-11-2006, 09:56 AM

Are you losing any coolant? There's some coolant hoses in that area that run along the top of the engine and go into the firewall (into the heater core). That could be your problem if it's white smoke.

Either that, or it's that big funky yellow tube you've got installed in that area. What does that do, anyway??

Archer999 · #3 10-11-2006, 10:06 AM

No, the coolant level stays the same. The only fluid that I have a leak with is the power steering and its small.

Thanks for the advise I will trace the coolant lines.

Keep the advise coming. I will be working on this car all day today so, all advise is welcome.

That yellow tube is a high perfomance stage 7 accelorator booster

but, thats not exactly street leagal so lets keep that on the DL.

maybe I should get my car a nicorette patch maybe that would help it quit smoking.

lhopp77 · #4 10-11-2006, 10:06 AM

Generally if it is coolant you get the sick antifreeze smell and frequently no real smoke---particularly white.

My guess would be that it is transmission fluid from the ATF cooler lines getting on the exhaust and smoking.

Park your car on a spot where you can identify what might be leaking. Maybe a newspaper under it. If you cannot see the leak then maybe you can identify the fluid. Once you identify the fluid it is easier for someone to help you spot the problem.

Lee

Archer999 · #5 10-11-2006, 10:11 AM

This is an elusive smoke. No fluid hits the ground. I had that CV axle inspected yesterday and the shop said it was fine.

Ok im going out side to trace my ATF coolant line. Luckly I had some one show me where they are under the thread Hose lable.

I am dirty and I have a wrench in my hand keep the advise coming. thx

The exhaust on that side is dirty something has been getting on it. I need a car lift .....

triumph1902 · #6 10-11-2006, 10:20 AM

I'll take a guess and say that you have ATF from the steering rack dripping on the exhaust/precat area. Maybe only occurs when you are driving because thats when you’re steering. Try turning the wheel while you parked to see if you can duplicate the problem.

huck369 · #7 10-11-2006, 10:36 AM

The only things I can think of to get smoke in that area is:
Leaky tranny lines (Already covered)
Ripped Inner Axle Boot (Already covered)
Leaky steering Rack (Already mentioned)
Leaky Driver's side Valve Cover
Leaky Driver's side Cam seal (blowing back to the pipes when driving)

Just some thoughts off the top of my head....

SomethingElse · #8 10-11-2006, 10:42 AM

get a rack. my car did the same thing but on both sides....plus you said your losing ps fluid. hmmm

Archer999 · #9 10-11-2006, 11:09 AM

Ok, I have my hands on a used rack. This thing looks very hard to install

I did not see a how to file on this thing. So when you changed your rack it stopped the smoke?

There are two small lines right below the steering rack and they are covered in junk.

So who wants to play "Name that Hose"

Here is your first clue....oh and by the way thanks for all the help. Has anyone ever had a mechanic put a rack in for them ??? If so how much was it$$$

bwb3 · #10 10-11-2006, 02:06 PM

I had a leak where the metal hose connected to the steering rack. If the hose is the culprit, try changing that first. Replacing the rack is a pain. Have to remove the exhaust system to get enought space.

Archer999 · #11 10-11-2006, 02:57 PM

What is the best way to get to those metal lines that are on the rack. From the hood side or from under the car? Do I have to take off that big plastic drip pan under the radiator or can I get to them without removing anything?

Archer999 · #12 10-11-2006, 03:23 PM

Ok, the two small lines in question in the above photograph turn out to be the two of the four small metal lines that come off the steering rack.

Seeing as those 2 hoses are covered in junk and they are in direct line with my exhaust that shows a black crude build up, I think I might be able to stop the smoke.

I would like to go ahead and work on my car now but, I just got back from a trip down a very curvy, hilly, fun road my car is to hot.

Thanks for all the help.

Archer999 · #13 10-11-2006, 03:46 PM

Ok I will tighten those metal lines in the morning. If this turns out to be the problem anybody want to by a used steering rack. I got one in a combo deal with a pump. The pump is on my car now and works great the rack looks like its in good condition to me. If you are interested I will post a pick

triumph1902 · #14 10-11-2006, 11:00 PM

Just so you know, those connections have rubber o-rings. Tightening them might help but you probably need to replace the o-rings.

Archer999 · #15 10-11-2006, 11:10 PM

No, I did not know that. Very helpfull thanks. Im worried about loosening the metal line. Im worried that some grime is going to get into the hole.

Im thinking about going to the carwash and pressure washing it before I start to break those lines loose.

Yeah, but thanks for the o - ring tip