So I have had my rx7 for about a year now and the car runs great! Recently, however, I have been driving to school and when I get there and let the engine cool, there has been smoke billowing from the engine compartment. At first I thought it could be steam due to how could it has been out here in New Hampshire, but the only problem is, is that the car smells as if it is burning coolant. The smoke is coming out of the air filter and the source seems to be the thermo reactors. I have already checked all of the hoses that are around that general area and there are no leaks. Any suggestions on what it could be???

 

Are you sure that the smoke isn't coming from the catalytic converter? What year is your car, how many miles? Have you noticed the coolant level dropping? Any leaks?

 

check the coolant levels

 

check for oil leak

 

Is the smoke, smoke or steam? Because coolant would be more steam when burning off..

 

Check coolant and oil levels , check the filter on the inside to see if you can smell or see oil or coolant .

 

Alright so my rx7 is an 80 and we checked the radiator hoses and replaced the water housing gasket today. There is no oil leak and there is steam coming from the thermal reactor still. Nothing from the cat, all oil and coolant levels are normal.

 

How much steam is it? Does it smell like anything?

 

probably the o-rings between the intake manifold and block weeping coolant onto the exhaust. pressure test and inspect for leaks. there should be no steam coming off the engine unless you just drove through standing water.

 

There's o rings between those? I don't remember ever seeing those only na s4 unless I just don't remember.

 

I've been reading up on issues and I agree with the majority here: sounds like burning coolant. Hope you get it fixed soon broth :/

 

early engines had coolant pass through the LIM. his is an '80, not an S4.

 

Ah okay that explains it

 

Alright thanks, that is very helpful! I will keep you guys updated!

 

It sound like it burning oil