Smoke from Engine

[CountKyle]

Hey Guys,

 

I've just got my car back from the bodyshop after getting the paintwork tidied up. She's been sitting for over a week.

 

I drove the short journey home through town, and when parking up, I noticed smoke coming from the engine. The car feels normal and pulls ok.

 

I had a look and can see visible signs of an oil leak from quite high up - I'm thinking valve cover gaskets?

 

Anyway the smoke was really worrying. It wasn't billowing out, but it was pretty visible. I tried to get an oil read using the useless dipstick and I think she's low, but it's hard to tell.

 

How worried should I be? Is the valve cover gasket an easy enough job, or is there potentially a more serious problem? Is the smoke like coming from oil on the manifold or cat?

 

Cheers

Kyle

[Willsy1980]

If oil is dripping on to the manifold, yeah it will smoke.

Was there a leak before you took it in is the question ? Does your mileage etc checkout ?

[CountKyle]

Yeah, it didn't move when it was at the bodyshop, thankfully!

 

Mileage is just over 120k

[Willsy1980]

Ah right, so at least they have not been out hooning it. Could just be coincidence that the gasket has dried out/failed don't think its a big job to replace but if it's leaking enough to drip and cause smoke then it needs attention asap.

May as well do both sides and full oil change while your stripping it.

Fingers crossed it's just the gasket for you, the covers are pretty pricey.

[Keyser]

You sure its not just overspay or dust from the body shop thats burning off?

[CountKyle]

It's definitely oil.

 

Gonna see about getting the gaskets and replacing them this week. I am comfortable doing brakes and the like but haven't attempted anything like this before... Is it more time-consuming than difficult?

[Keyser]

The upper gaskets are easy enough, take your time remember what you took off, take pics if you like, I'm sure there is a guide on here.

 

Good luck

[Pedro85]

I think the valve covers need a small application of silicon when you change the gaskets, a spot in each corner if i remember correctly.

 

Bookmark this link, its very handy, have a look under "EM" (engine mechanical) and you should have all the info you need.

 

http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/nissan-350z-factory-service-manuals.html

[CountKyle]

@pedro85 Cheers! Thanks for the heads up 😊

[CountKyle]

Hey guys,

 

Got the valve cover gaskets done and everything seems to be ok. Gave the engine a bit of a steam clean whilst I was at it and it looks good so far. Thanks for the tips