Engine is smoking

1996 FORD ESCORT
130,000 MILES • 1.9L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
ORIGINALBRATSTL
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I just changed the water pump, camshaft sensor, timing belt, serpentine belt and thermostat. Everything is back together and running great and at correct temperature. The problem I'm having is there is smoke coming from the front of the block that seems to be from somewhere under that hard line that the diagram refers to as the heated oxygen sensor. I had to remove that line in order to take off the intake manifold because it ran all the way to just behind it. I cannot see any obvious reasons that this would be smoking, and it has been long enough that any type of fluid that may have dripped has burnt off. Please help, it's the last riddle to solve before I'm back driving again.
Mar 18, 2022 at 9:27 PM
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.
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,178 POSTS
Do you see anything dripping on the ground, oil coolant etc? You could be right that the smoke is just residual from the repair but to be sure can you upload a video of the problem so I can see what's going on? You can upload it with your response. Let me know.
Mar 19, 2022 at 5:55 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
ORIGINALBRATSTL
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I have replied in for some reason it is not attaching to this feed. I've gotten everything put back together and there was some smoking like I said in the front. That seems like it has slowed down and now I'm guessing I have a vacuum leak somewhere because I have an IAC valve code, so I cleaned it and put it back on. I'm about to go outside and start spraying carb cleaner.
Mar 22, 2022 at 10:45 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,178 POSTS
Okay, this guide can help us find the leak:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Please run down this guide and report back.
Mar 22, 2022 at 11:23 AM
Avatar
ORIGINALBRATSTL
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I just tried spraying carb cleaner all over with no luck. My thoughts are that it's the intake manifold because I had to take it off for the camshaft sensor, I did put a new gasket on there, but I did also like an idiot put some RV sealant on it. My concern is that it's under the bottom portion of the intake manifold which I can't really get to spray.
Mar 22, 2022 at 11:56 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,178 POSTS
That is a good place to start, if the gasket is compromised it will cause this issue you have described. Let us know.
Mar 22, 2022 at 2:19 PM