Today I went out side after not having started my car, 4bbl 86 camaro iroc and let it idle for 3-4 minutes. I went up the the hood and noticed a whisping kind of smoke coming from the right side of the engine, it appeared to be coming from underneath the engine. The coolant is good and the theromostat wasn't showing it as being hot. Im puzzled and don't want to drive my car until I know the engine isn't going to seize or something? Thanks

Erik

 

You are going to have to open the hood, and see where it's coming from.

 

Okay the hood was open at that point but I didn't let the car run for more then a minute after spotting the smoke when I was under the hood because I didn't want the engine to seize up from a broken water pump or thermostat or something. Ill give it a try tomorrow though to be sure.

Erik

 

Check the quick and easy things too. If its been sitting a while, debris could have gotten in there. And if it has an oil or fluid leak, and that stuff got on the hot parts of the engine, that'd be burning off too.

 

Yeah, good idea, I wanted to be safe rather then sorry. I will do that tomorrow. Whats the likely hood of an exhast manifold leak?

Erik

 

I just went out side and let my car idle for 4 minutes or so and I started to get wispy white smoke again. I opened the radiator cap and it was almost to the point of flowing out, showing that the water pump isn't working??? The smoke seemed to be coming out from beneath the value covers, directly under them as in they sit on the block and its coming through a worn seal or something. I took a cap ful of water and poured it on the side of the block just to see how hot it was and it boiled in a second or less. I know engines are supposed to be hot but this one seems too hot. I just cant think of what would be causing it to have smoke/ steam its only small amounts but Id rather not find out the hard way, with a seized engine. I am perplexed because the thermostat is registering at normal temperature? Any help is much appreciated. Thank you


Erik

 

NEVER pour water on a hot block, that set aside I think it could be a blown head gasket, I had a little 4 banger cavalier that did the same thing. Drain your oil and check for coolant

 

could be a leaking valve cover to check to see if oil isnt dripping on your exhaust from the cover could just need a valve cover gasket

 

Ok much appreciated.



Erik