Burnt oil smell/smoke?

Tiny
JAKESJ5
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 MERCURY SABLE
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 177,912 MILES
So my car lets out little clouds of white smoke that I cannot determine where it comes from. I have replaced the in-cover gasket and Ralph cover gaskets and car continues to let out clouds are smoke like it's releasing gas or like burping. It doesn't constantly smoke but let's out like a burp will it idle or at a stop sign or a traffic light and cannot determine where the smoke is coming from. Please help as this is driving me crazy not being able to find out or determine what the cause of the problem is or where it's coming from.
Tuesday, November 15th, 2022 AT 1:36 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,068 POSTS
Hi,

Could the white smoke be from the exhaust? Do me a favor. Check to make sure the engine coolant is full.

White smoke from the exhaust can indicate a faulty head gasket. If coolant gets into the combustion chamber, it burns white.

Also, if there is a coolant leak, the steam from coolant burning can be white as well.

Check to see if it is from the exhaust. If you can, videotape what it's doing and upload it for me to see.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, November 15th, 2022 AT 9:21 PM
Tiny
JAKESJ5
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It's not coolant either it's a distinct smell of oil no coolant leaks and doesn't overheat or lose coolant.
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Tuesday, November 15th, 2022 AT 10:09 PM
Tiny
JAKESJ5
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That's the tricky part every time I pop the hood to see where it's coming from it stops or it's very hard to see exactly where it's coming from, I've also changed the main seal as well.
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Tuesday, November 15th, 2022 AT 10:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,068 POSTS
Hi,

When you open the hood, do you leave the engine running? Oftentimes, what you described is a leak at the valve cover and oil runs down onto the exhaust manifold or the exhaust system. Also, it could be a transmission leak.

Keep in mind that one of the valve covers and exhaust manifolds are next to the firewall and that makes it difficult to see.

Don't laugh, but have you tried placing a large piece of cardboard under the vehicle to see if there are any leaks on it? Also, check under the vehicle. See if there is any evidence of something burning off the exhaust system.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
JAKESJ5
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It does have a small leak on one of the transmission cooler lines and I've put that off for way too long because it's such a small drip. Could it possibly be that? Why would it smell like oil? I've replaced valve cover gaskets and don't notice anything burnt on the exhaust. You are definitely right about how hard it is to tell since it's back up against the firewall and yes, I've tried to find it with the engine running but haven't had any luck finding it. It's like a game of cat and mouse lol, every time I try to find where it comes from it stops or is so light of smoke I can't determine where the smoke originates from. It's annoying and frustrating.
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Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 AT 7:58 PM
Tiny
JAKESJ5
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I've also replaced timing cover gasket and oil pan gasket.
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Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 AT 8:02 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,068 POSTS
Hi,

If you have a leak at one of the trans cooler lines, go to that area and inspect to see if there is any evidence of it burning the ATF.

ATF is oil and has a very similar smell, so it is easy to confuse. My biggest concern is if it is getting onto the catalytic converter. The flashpoint of ATF is lower than motor oil.

Check that leak and let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 AT 8:45 PM
Tiny
JAKESJ5
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I'll have a look tomorrow when it's light out. Thanks for your input I'll let you know what I find.
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Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 AT 9:23 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,068 POSTS
Hi,

No problem whatsoever. When you have the opportunity, let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, November 17th, 2022 AT 5:03 PM

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