White smoke and burning under hood?

MCSWANSON11

MEMBER
2012 SUBARU LEGACY
2.5L
4 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
192,500 MILES

Oil probably needs to be changed; it is scheduled for 193,000 miles.

Burnt smell and eventually smoking from under the hood. The smell was seemingly oil and rubber. It looked white in color so that is odd to me for with the smell. No bubbling or foaming in radiator. Thoughts? I can't get out to look at it until the morning.

Looking for engine diagrams. Location; Front driver's side with coolant system.

Thanks,
Marcus

6 Replies

MCSWANSON11

MEMBER
12 POSTS

Good morning. Have daylight again. No codes to pull. Please take a look at the pictures and provide any insights. I turned the car on, and it took about 45 sec for smoke and burning smell. Couldn't get a great look so I jacked it from the driver's side to take a look from underneath. Oil dripping on exhaust from the look. Without an engine diagram I am not sure the part that is leaking the smoke as I am not very familiar with this 2.5 boxer engine. But it is clearly coming out of the right side (driver) of the engine block. Thanks for the help.

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Thursday, January 4th, 2024 AT 10:28 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Thanks for the images. The white smoke and rubber smell will be oil leaking, from what I can tell it looks like the camshaft seals are leaking but I would check the valve cover gaskets as well.

This guide can help us understand the oil leaks:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-is-leaking-oil

I also have included how to change out the camshaft seals which you should do a timing belt as well. I have included both signal and dual overhead camshaft designs. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.

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Thursday, January 4th, 2024 AT 10:46 AM

MCSWANSON11

MEMBER
12 POSTS

Hey Ken, I finally have some nice weather and free afternoon/evenings to start this work. Suddenly I had someone stop by randomly and offer $1,000 for the car as is. It has structural damage to the driver side brake light assembly and has almost 193,000 miles. Hasn't needed a head gasket yet but runs great. Can still drive it even with the oil leak and it still turns over with no issues. I haven't driven it at all though. Is 1k a good price for this situation or should I commit to fixing it and keeping it. I have 2 other cars so I can easily make the argument for both options. Your opinion will be very much appreciated for me to consider. Thank you

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Monday, April 22nd, 2024 AT 2:53 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

That is up to you, I would like to say it is a good deal, but being good or bad is in the eye of the beholder. You can check to see what the car is going for in your area to help determine if it is worth it.

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Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 AT 9:57 AM

MCSWANSON11