Exhaust Smoke

NISSAN SENTRA
Avatar
BECKY2275
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Nissan Sentra 1996 188,000 miles. 4 cyl. When driving in town or idling. Car will slow down as if its going to die and then it emits alot of gray smoke. Its getting to be more smoke as time goes on. I clouded up a whole block this weekend. The embarrasment sent me home with it until I can figure out the problem. It has been hooked up to a computer everything was fine. I also had another mechanic drive it but it smokes randomly so he didn't see it. Highway driving no problems. Just driving very slow or after a long idle when it feels like it. Could it be the cadillac converter?
Jul 12, 2007 at 2:04 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 75,992 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
[quote:521725e067="Becky2275"]Nissan Sentra 1996 188,000 miles. 4 cyl. When driving in town or idling. Car will slow down as if its going to die and then it emits alot of gray smoke. Its getting to be more smoke as time goes on. I clouded up a whole block this weekend. The embarrasment sent me home with it until I can figure out the problem. It has been hooked up to a computer everything was fine. I also had another mechanic drive it but it smokes randomly so he didn't see it. Highway driving no problems. Just driving very slow or after a long idle when it feels like it. Could it be the cadillac converter?[/quote:521725e067]

Could be a restricted exhaust or the EGR is acting up. and also fuel pressure problem.
Jul 12, 2007 at 8:06 PM
Avatar
ANUBIS679
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
[quote:f99fcaa53f="Becky2275"]Nissan Sentra 1996 188,000 miles. 4 cyl. When driving in town or idling. Car will slow down as if its going to die and then it emits alot of gray smoke. Its getting to be more smoke as time goes on. I clouded up a whole block this weekend. The embarrasment sent me home with it until I can figure out the problem. It has been hooked up to a computer everything was fine. I also had another mechanic drive it but it smokes randomly so he didn't see it. Highway driving no problems. Just driving very slow or after a long idle when it feels like it. Could it be the cadillac converter?[/quote:f99fcaa53f]

You might also want to check your oxygen sensors as well as the catalytic converter and your gas-air mixture as well. Grey smoke is usually a rich mixture smoke, however the amount you described doesn't seem to fit that as much as an exhaust or oxygen sensor problem. But its still good to check.

Currently I have a 96 Maxima with 140k miles that emits white smoke. Which is most likely the head gasket.

Joe
Jul 19, 2007 at 10:20 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.