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puff of smoke as I opened the hood...

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Old 06-24-04, 11:08 AM
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puff of smoke as I opened the hood...

Trying to diagnose this. Wondering if it could be exhaust leak, fuel leak or coolant leak or something burning in general....

I had my FPD replaced in Feb of this year. Last year had the motor rebuilt and new fuel injector seals and fuel hoses were installed. The FPR is still original as are the 120k miles turbos.

Anyway, I was out ******* around with the car last night getting on/off boost to try and get down the symptoms of a smell I get coming off boost. I think its a fuel smell, but not 100% sure.

So I pulled into my garage after idling at the light at the end of my block, turned off the car and popped the hood. I saw a nice sized cloud of smoke (roughly the size of the turbos) directly over the turbos that dissipated in seconds. I couldn't verify color/smell of the smoke or anything as it was gone in seconds.

Besides the smell I get after boosting, I also get a smell of what I think is exhaust when I stop at a light. I don't smell anything just cruising. I suspect that the airflow through the engine bay blows anything right under the car.

I've read some posts about how leaking coolant can start fires, but I can't seem to pinpoint the location of the coolant lines over the turbos to check this out.

Anyone have any input/info etc? Thanks for the help.

btw - I have 2 fire extinguishers in the car
Old 06-24-04, 11:41 AM
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Does the smoke smell like exhaust, or sweet like burning radiator fluid. I think its just an exhaust leak from the downpipe to turbo's.
Old 06-24-04, 12:59 PM
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i hope that is all it is too. i'm just not sure if i would smell it after boost. i believe it smelled like fuel but i haven't driven my car in a while so i'm not sure anymore.

i'm also not sure about what the coolant would smell like or where the lines are. having trouble picturing what they look like so i can check them.
Old 06-24-04, 03:26 PM
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I'm having this problem after a hard run, I got a small oil leak on my stock turbos that burns after it drips on the DP. Does your car smoke from the side of the hood and under the car as well?
Old 06-24-04, 03:56 PM
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Yes I will see some smoke coming from under the hood when I stop at a light and I get that smell. However, I haven't noticed any oil dripping onto the downpipe... Mine is wrapped in header wrap so I would think it would not be burned off but would linger on the wrap.
Old 07-12-04, 09:04 AM
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Originally posted by SWAT81
I'm having this problem after a hard run, I got a small oil leak on my stock turbos that burns after it drips on the DP. Does your car smoke from the side of the hood and under the car as well?
I have the same problem, the longer/harder I drive the car the longer it does it. I replace the seals on the oil return line for the rear turbo, but it still seems to do it and it's driving me up the wall. The turbos work great too, but this smoking thing sucks. I usually pop my hood (but don't open it) for the last 1/4 mile of my ride. That slow cooldown helps a ton, but is really stupid, it needs to get corrected.

X...
Old 07-13-04, 12:12 AM
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Could be alot of things. Oil lines, turbos, turbo manifold, cracked y-pipe, cracked dp, etc. Clean the whole area up w/ carb cleaner and drive it then you'll see where it's leaking from (If it's oil).
Old 07-13-04, 12:49 AM
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It's oil on the underside of your turbos burning off. Guar-an-*******-tee it.

Get under the car and you'll see it.
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