Light Smoke in Engine Bay?

Hey all,

I noticed a light smoke coming from the engine bay this evening while doing an inspection on the intake hose (which I'm going to replace). I have a video below showing where it's coming from & the smoke:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PNI4mBrlIo&ab_channel=BenNelson

This a 98' 3.4L with 223k miles. Just had a shop replace the camshaft seal & valve cover gasket a few weeks back due to an oil leak on both, which is why I'm coming to this thread for advice. Doesn't run hot & sounds right. Also had the coolant replaced w/ the recent work.

Any thoughts?

Many thanks,

Ben

 

leftover oil from the vcg leak/replacing the vcg. monitor and keep an eye on it.

 

You said the shop replaced a valve cover gasket. Does that mean both sides (driver and passenger)? Usually I'd expect them to do a tad bit more clean up and not expect any residual oil to be burning off several weeks later.

I'd watch that like a hawk, and might be worthwhile to try and do some cleanup yourself, to determine if you aren't still seeping some oil. If you are I'd take it back and demand they repair it properly before they claim any warranty on their work has expired.

 

What does it smell like ??

Then a uneducated nose might not be able to identify the different smells .

I go with a lack of cleaning many places do as little as possible any more out the door next job brought in.

Maybe just poor work and the oil is leaking again !!

 

The valve cover retaining bolts torque is measured in inch pounds, not foot pounds and most techs not familiar with the 3.4 will just run the bolts down with an air ratchet and call it a day.

 

I've noticed a small bit of black oil actually on the ground this morning below this area, so assuming there is still a small leak. I did not notice this yesterday. I'm going to have the shop degrease & put a small amount of dye in the oil, drive it, and see with a UV light if we can pinpoint a leak. They are doing this free of charge

 

Always good to hear of a shop standing by the work.

A word in your regional forum never hurts .

 

Wasn't aware there were two valve cover gaskets on the 3.4 L? - on the invoice, it says "valve cover gasket set", so assuming that means they did both

 

Yes, any V-type engine (V6, V8, V10, V12) will have 2 valve covers and 2 valve cover gaskets (1 over each bank of cylinders).

Never assume anything when it comes to someone else working on your vehicle, or as to what they put on an invoice means, unless you have concrete proof of them doing the work (i.e. old replaced parts presented to you, etc.).

Too many shyster shops around these days, glad to hear this one is being reasonable with you.