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Strange Smoke

  • Thread starter Thread starter tri5333
  • Start date Start date May 8, 2010
T

tri5333

New Member
Mar 8, 2009
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May 8, 2010
#1
  • May 8, 2010
  • #1
Just bought a 97 GT Conv. automatic car has 80k and the intake was replaced by the previous owner with a Dormin the car has zero performance mods uses no coolant and runs ok for stock, however last night after driving 25 miles I opened the hood to check fluids and noticed some smoke coming from the back of the intake next to the firewall. it was very faint and only noticed because the light illuminated it. There is not oil in the coolant and vice versa in the oil. I did notice the trans pan is a little wet though and there are not stored codes other than 103 and CLs either any thoughts?
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
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Houston Texas
May 8, 2010
#2
  • May 8, 2010
  • #2
The torque of the intake bolts is critical. Many PPL refuse to use a torque wrench. The results is over torque and leaks.

It is possible to confirm the diagnosis with a coolant system pressure test. The tester is easily rented from many autoparts stores. This can stop the guessing.

Optionally, throughly clean the top side and under the car with degreaser. Do not high pressure wash.
 

ChillPhatCat

20+ Year Stangneter
Apr 22, 2002
409
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Syracuse, NY
May 8, 2010
#3
  • May 8, 2010
  • #3
Any smells that you can tell us about? A sweet smell would be antifreeze, and any other smell, well that would probably be oil. If there is no smell... did it rain recently?
 

Maxpowers

Member
Sep 9, 2009
859
2
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Pittsburgh, Pa
May 8, 2010
#4
  • May 8, 2010
  • #4
Keep an eye on your fluid levels. May have just been some water running down and burning off the exhaust.

The plastic intakes did have a very common problem of cracking and leakin coolant.
 
T

tri5333

New Member
Mar 8, 2009
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May 8, 2010
#5
  • May 8, 2010
  • #5
Thanks guys ithink its gonna be the trans pan leaking on to the cats anyone ever had a pan gasket fail before?
 

Maxpowers

Member
Sep 9, 2009
859
2
19
Pittsburgh, Pa
May 9, 2010
#6
  • May 9, 2010
  • #6
tri5333 said:
Thanks guys ithink its gonna be the trans pan leaking on to the cats anyone ever had a pan gasket fail before?
Click to expand...

Keep an eye on your tranny fluid. Make sure it's not too low.
 
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