Smoke from engine bay
06-16-2011, 10:49 AM
#1
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Smoke from engine bay
Hey Guys,
Lately I been getting this white smoke/steam from the passenger side of the car. It has a burning smell so I popped the hood, couldn't really tell where it is coming from. Sometimes it smokes, sometimes it doesn't...when it is cold or raining you can see it clearer....maybe a leaky hose?
Lately I been getting this white smoke/steam from the passenger side of the car. It has a burning smell so I popped the hood, couldn't really tell where it is coming from. Sometimes it smokes, sometimes it doesn't...when it is cold or raining you can see it clearer....maybe a leaky hose?
06-16-2011, 11:13 AM
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2014 E550-sold 😩
head gasket
06-16-2011, 06:32 PM
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2004 E500, 2010 R350, 2000 Audi S4, 1994 Miata
My '04 500 was doing that for a while, turned out to be oil around the valve cover(s). I just cleaned them with simple green/brake cleaner. It smoked like crazy for about 20 minutes afterwards but hasn't smoked at all for a couple weeks now.
06-16-2011, 07:14 PM
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06' w211 E500 Sport
I was told if I recall correctly that leaky valve cover gasket is common in our cars (e500) and that if it gets too out of control, it could get into the spark plug areas, and could also fry some stuff.
Just get the VALVE COVER GASKET diagnosed and replaced (not to be confused with the head gasket) any tech should be able to take 1 look and say "yes, leaky valve cover gasket"...
Head gasket on the other hand, you'd be losing power, and you'd be blowing out the back end as well as out the hood, and the vehicle would be nearly inoperable. This could only happen if you never changed your oil, and put like 20k on 1 oil change... You didn't do that, did you??
PS: How many miles? What model (e320, 350, 500, etc)? I have an 06 e500 sport, with about 95k miles - and its valve cover has oil around it, and will soon need to be replaced, before it seeps into the spark plug and wires.
Just get the VALVE COVER GASKET diagnosed and replaced (not to be confused with the head gasket) any tech should be able to take 1 look and say "yes, leaky valve cover gasket"...
Head gasket on the other hand, you'd be losing power, and you'd be blowing out the back end as well as out the hood, and the vehicle would be nearly inoperable. This could only happen if you never changed your oil, and put like 20k on 1 oil change... You didn't do that, did you??
PS: How many miles? What model (e320, 350, 500, etc)? I have an 06 e500 sport, with about 95k miles - and its valve cover has oil around it, and will soon need to be replaced, before it seeps into the spark plug and wires.
Last edited by PlatinumPi4u; 06-16-2011 at 07:16 PM.
06-17-2011, 11:44 AM
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Your description of white smoke/steam had me going. Yes, the valve cover gaskets do leak and mine has 85K and is oozing as well, but not throwing off smoke. Get that fixed and happy motoring!
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06-17-2011, 01:23 PM
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06' w211 E500 Sport
How much did the shop want to charge for this, by the way?
I'm due for the valve cover gasket, and the poly v belts soon. I know the belts are a DIY but does anybody know if the valve cover gasket is a DIY too?
I'm due for the valve cover gasket, and the poly v belts soon. I know the belts are a DIY but does anybody know if the valve cover gasket is a DIY too?
06-19-2011, 07:26 PM
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So yesterday did a little engine cleaning and replaced the air filters...Wow air filters were disgusting! anyways, i noticed some oil near on the engine, near the coil packs...Is this a leaky valve? I managed to get as much oil out with towels. My question now is, can I used engine degreaser and wash it down with water or no? I think maybe if oil was spilled from my tranny job, might just be that or maybe it really is a leaky valve...
06-20-2011, 05:10 PM
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06' w211 E500 Sport
Its probably leaking oil from the valve cover gasket, and yes, that is what the tech warned me about too, (see post #5 - I couldn't remember the verbage) but yes, if the oil gets into the coil packs then you're screwed. I was advised to replace the valve cover gasket BEFORE it leaks into the coil packs 
06-21-2011, 05:10 PM
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06' w211 E500 Sport
06-21-2011, 08:39 PM
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wtf? You do know that valve covers are directly above the exhaust manifold heat shield right? What do you think happens when oil hits extremely hot exhaust manifolds...thats right, it smokes. To call head gasket right off the bat is non-sensical.
Its probably leaking oil from the valve cover gasket, and yes, that is what the tech warned me about too, (see post #5 - I couldn't remember the verbage) but yes, if the oil gets into the coil packs then you're screwed. I was advised to replace the valve cover gasket BEFORE it leaks into the coil packs
Gentlemen, based on the statements made here (oil by the coil packs), it is very likely this individual has leaky breather covers (the "mini" valve cover on the valve cover).
This is a very simple diy.
Basically:
1. Remove the small shiny bolts and the 2 or 3 male torx bolts, and then remove the hose at the top. carefully pry up the covers, they are held on by silicone sealant.
2. remove left over sealant from valve cover and breather cover.
3. Apply new black silicone sealant to the breather cover channel. You can use mb stuff, but permatex black is fine...get the tube with the applicator....its much easier.
4. carefully reinstall and seat. tighten the bolts. Be careful on the little guys, they snap easily, so finger tight only.
5. I like to let this set up for at least 30 minutes, but preferably a few hours.
If you need pics, search for "breather cover"
06-22-2011, 01:09 PM
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06' w211 E500 Sport
wtf? You do know that valve covers are directly above the exhaust manifold heat shield right? What do you think happens when oil hits extremely hot exhaust manifolds...thats right, it smokes. To call head gasket right off the bat is non-sensical.
Oil is not leaking into the coil packs. These are sealed items with three electrical plugs, all of which are raised off the valve cover.
Gentlemen, based on the statements made here (oil by the coil packs), it is very likely this individual has leaky breather covers (the "mini" valve cover on the valve cover).
This is a very simple diy.
Basically:
1. Remove the small shiny bolts and the 2 or 3 male torx bolts, and then remove the hose at the top. carefully pry up the covers, they are held on by silicone sealant.
2. remove left over sealant from valve cover and breather cover.
3. Apply new black silicone sealant to the breather cover channel. You can use mb stuff, but permatex black is fine...get the tube with the applicator....its much easier.
4. carefully reinstall and seat. tighten the bolts. Be careful on the little guys, they snap easily, so finger tight only.
5. I like to let this set up for at least 30 minutes, but preferably a few hours.
If you need pics, search for "breather cover"
06-22-2011, 01:37 PM
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Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
wtf? You do know that valve covers are directly above the exhaust manifold heat shield right? What do you think happens when oil hits extremely hot exhaust manifolds...thats right, it smokes. To call head gasket right off the bat is non-sensical.
Oil is not leaking into the coil packs. These are sealed items with three electrical plugs, all of which are raised off the valve cover.
Gentlemen, based on the statements made here (oil by the coil packs), it is very likely this individual has leaky breather covers (the "mini" valve cover on the valve cover).
This is a very simple diy.
Basically:
1. Remove the small shiny bolts and the 2 or 3 male torx bolts, and then remove the hose at the top. carefully pry up the covers, they are held on by silicone sealant.
2. remove left over sealant from valve cover and breather cover.
3. Apply new black silicone sealant to the breather cover channel. You can use mb stuff, but permatex black is fine...get the tube with the applicator....its much easier.
4. carefully reinstall and seat. tighten the bolts. Be careful on the little guys, they snap easily, so finger tight only.
5. I like to let this set up for at least 30 minutes, but preferably a few hours.
If you need pics, search for "breather cover"
Guys, he's correct. The M113 500 motors are very famous for leaky breather covers. It's not a matter of if, but when, they start to leak. It's a simple job, for the garage wrench monkey. But, if you're not comfortable, it's only a couple hundred at an indy shop.
It'll look something like this, when it starts to go
Last edited by Benz-O-Rama; 06-22-2011 at 01:39 PM.
