Help! White smoke billowed from hood!

ccwilms · May 12, 2004

I need some ideas from smart mustang guys...

This morning I tried to start up the stang, the car seemed to start to crank for about a split second, then white acrid smoke started billowing from underneath the hood, more from under the drivers side near the windshield. I cut everything off, grabbed the fire extinguisher, opened the hood, but... no fire. So this evening I did a visual inspection, no burnt wires I can see. I then put the key to the on position. I mounted my crane ignition box near where the smoke was coming from, but the ignition box self test was coming up fine. Then I did an EEC-IV key on engine off self test... no stored codes, and the self test went fine, so I cranked the car and it started fine with no smoke.

So I'm glad it's starting, but I'm just afraid my car is going to burn to the ground in the near future. What should I look for? A loose ground? Any other ideas??? Thanks, guys

Joes95GT · May 12, 2004

Whatever damage your afraid of doing, has already been done. (If any)

There are almost an infinite number of places that the smoke could be coming from. Have someone start the car, while you watch under the hood to see what happens. The worst thing that could happen is a fire starting. Shoot it with the extinguiser and make sure to hose that chit off right after you do it.

Sorry if I'm no help, but I don't remember reading lately about any white smoke coming out from a hood. I doubt anyone on here could do anymore than take an educated guess as to what it is, and frankly, that wouldn't help in your case. The problem has to be fixed immediately, and there is no way of knowing what it could be if you can't even pin point the area that it came from. It's like finding a needle in a haystack.

Joe

smercier · May 12, 2004

The clutch on my 94's A/C compressor froze up once, and the belt sliding across the pulley produced enough smoke (I remember it to be white smoke) that I thought my engine had caught on fire. I killed it and the smoke dispersed pretty quickly...I couldn't figure out where it came from. I cranked it again...same white smoke, that is until the belt broke.

This probably isn't what's causing your problem but it's just a thought. It does sound more like an electrical problem, which like Joes95GT said, will be a needle in a haystack to find (until the problem causes more serious problems). It seems as if 94-95s have more electrical problems than fox bodies. I'm on my second and have had countless electrical issues, many more than anybody with a fox that I know has.

moneypit94 · May 12, 2004

quick question... What did the smoke smell like? That will help a lot to know... If it was electrical then it would probably make you gag, burnt wires are not good on the lungs...

madams74 · May 12, 2004

It was most likely the fusible links next to the fuse box. My alternator shorted out and I watched the same thing happen. I replaced the alternator and those fusible links. There are 2 of them on the mustangs. They attach directly to the stud that sticks off the fuse box under the hood. From there they go to the battery. You can buy the links in different amps. They come with a butt connector on one end and the ring terminal on the other. Dont try to replace until you check your alternator. I just knew mine was bad because I had continuity between the positive terminal on the alternator and the case. It was a direct short.

WMDPALMER · May 13, 2004

Just a thought if you haven't found the problem, but, maybe get full coverge Insurance if you don't already. Any signs of burnt wiring?

5.0 from 95 · May 13, 2004

moneypit94 said:
quick question... What did the smoke smell like? That will help a lot to know... If it was electrical then it would probably make you gag, burnt wires are not good on the lungs...

This is the biggest sign. You need to remember what it smelled like. If you don't see any burn signs, then you need to actually smell of things. Get as close to everything as you can and if it was an electrical smoking, then you will still be able to smell the smell. If not, then it is just time to change the oil in the hood. J/K

Paul

Help! White smoke billowed from hood!

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