Smoke from the engine

[Deadfast]

Had a couple of short runs out today. Arrived home tonight and saw smoke appearing from under the bonnet. Dials were all "normal". Stopped the engine and it went straightaway. No sign of overheating or fire!

Before I start the car again, anything to specifically look out for? I had the exhaust manifolds repaired and refitted by Dulfords a couple of months ago, and I have noticed more fumes inside the car than before, so I think it is them again. If it is, are stainless ACT ones any better?

Thanks

[tvrgit]

Was it specifically smoke, or was it steam?

Did you open the bonnet to see or smell where it was coming from?

[Deadfast]

Definitely smoke. Stopped immediately the engine was turned off and nothing to be seen when I lifted the bonnet. Oil cap was on (I didn't forget to put that back) and no electrical smell. I think it has to be the manifolds and I'll just take a punt and start it with the bonnet up today (and fire extinguisher in hand maybe!)

[tvrgit]

Why would you get smoke from the manifolds of a warmed-up engine?

[v8s4me]

You would if there was oil leaking onto them from somewhere or possibly if they had been painted with somthing after the repair, but if it was the paint then this should have cured off after a long run. What does it smell like? If it's a burnt oil type smell, check your rocker box gaskets as they may be leaking oil onto something hot.Maybe the dipstick seal has gone and oil is blowing out of the top of the dipstick tube. Also check where the dipstick tube bolts to the block. If it's a plastic type smell then it could be electrical. Maybe it's just something that's fallen onto one of the mainifolds or the exhaust.

[The Beaver Queen]

v8s4me said:

You would if there was oil leaking onto them from somewhere or possibly if they had been painted with somthing after the repair, but if it was the paint then this should have cured off after a long run. What does it smell like? If it's a burnt oil type smell, check your rocker box gaskets as they may be leaking oil onto something hot.Maybe the dipstick seal has gone and oil is blowing out of the top of the dipstick tube. Also check where the dipstick tube bolts to the block. If it's a plastic type smell then it could be electrical. Maybe it's just something that's fallen onto one of the mainifolds or the exhaust.

I'd echo the rocker cover. I had a small leak coming from the rocker cover gasket a few weeks ago and even the smallest amount of oil dropping onto the manifolds produces a fair amount of smoke. Run your fingers around the outside of the rocker gasket to check for small leaks.

[Deadfast]

Thanks chaps. I'll have a look under the hood tonight. It was unexpected to say the least!

[Barkychoc]

If it oil leaking on the manifold I would expect you to notice a burning oil smell - although I guess that may be the fumes you are referring to?

[Deadfast]

Well, I couldn't replicate it tonight. There does look to be a trace of oil on the front edge of the rocker cover, but to be honest that could just have been me being a bit careless with the top up!

The car does seems to be running rich though, oily deposits when I started her up and some white smoke (my daily hack was parked behind and took the full force of it), so I'll need to look into that.

Thanks again.

[markbigears]

As others have said, you probably have a small leak from the rocker gaskets, the first time I saw smoke coming from the rear of the bonnet freak me right our! Still haven't got around to fitting my new ones!