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2G Puff of white smoke from bottom of exhaust manifold.

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VolcomDSM

Probationary Member
25
1
Feb 6, 2017
san marcos, Texas
This is my first time posting on this forum, so please bare with me. I have a 97' Eclipse GS-T Spyder (a.k.a Charlotte). It is completely stock with around 86k miles. I noticed she was miss firing and not having any power behind it, so I decided to start with my spark plugs and wires. When I went to pull them the wires wouldn't pull off the plugs. I literally had to dig them out around the plugs piece by piece. Upon doing so I noticed the plugs where crap. One was had the top broken almost broken off. Someone had installed Iridium plugs. So I went back and placed NGK copper plugs in. She started off really rough...would barely run then die a couple times. So I let it sit for about 5 min, went to start her up and after a minute she ran fine. But my issue is now I have a puff of white smoke (which I'm sure is from coolant) that appears from down around the bottom of my exhaust manifold. I can't see to pinpoint exactly where it is coming from but only occurs when reeving the engine up to about 4k rpms. I can't notice any smoke when driving down the road and she appears to drive just fine, its only when its in park and the hoods up. like I said though its not constantly smoking, its only when I really revved up the engine. Any ideas?
 
But over here we not missing coolant and we are not overheating we just have smoke only at 4K rpm and the car drives good, no misfires. Normally you try something that is not expensive first and then think of the worst.

Yeah other than the smoke puffing up like it does the car runs and idles good as usual. I don't have a lost of power or acceleration. It's really weird....
 
i had the exact same problem-bubles in coolant-compression test ok, leak test ok, coolant pressure test ok---still ended up being a blown head gasket

Yeah I'm hoping that's not the case and I'm trying to eliminate all other options before having to replace my head gasket. I do appreciate y'all trying to help me here. Thank y'all.
 
no worries- but the way you are explaining it now i would not think it is the head gasket
get one of those mirrors that are for automotive use on an extendable stick-use that and a flashlight and it may help you to see what is going on
 
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So here is the video I took. Hopefully it helps.
 
Remove the shields and look for black burning spots around all the gaskets. Might have to remove the fans to get the lower shield off. But to me it looks like you have exhaust leak. Putting your hand next to all exhaust connections can pin point where it is leaking. Other then that thanks for making the video and report back with second one if you can. Just letting you know that those bolts can easily brake and the bolts that hold the fans could also brake. So take some care and lube it up. Go back and forth if you can.
 
Hey guys just an update....didn't have time last night to get to her. Soon as I do I'll make sure to post a video.

Remove the shields and look for black burning spots around all the gaskets. Might have to remove the fans to get the lower shield off. But to me it looks like you have exhaust leak. Putting your hand next to all exhaust connections can pin point where it is leaking. Other then that thanks for making the video and report back with second one if you can. Just letting you know that those bolts can easily brake and the bolts that hold the fans could also brake. So take some care and lube it up. Go back and forth if you can.

Yeah I sort of feel like it could be the exhaust. I'll definitely give that a try. thanks man. Yes I like to make sure I'm very careful when taking anything off her. Shes old and fragile and the last thing I want is to be searching around for a part LOL

the best penetrating oil is one you make yourself-50% atf synthetic oil and 50% acetone--put in oil squirt can and mix well, careful not to get on any painted surface

I will certainly be giving this a try. Just need to go purchase a squirt can. I've got everything else. Thanks a lot man.
 
In the video it's sounds like there is an exhaust leak. I would take the sheilds off and check to see if the previous owner maybe put some muffler puddy (or something like that ) on the pin hole. That stuff can be burning off
 
I had the same thing on my stock setup. Small leak at the turbo to manifold gasket, combined with slightly leaky valve stem seals (explains oil loss) and a little condensation. No biggie. You can either try to replace the gaskets without snapping bolts and studs, replace hardware if you do. Otherwise just wait til you upgrade your turbo.
 
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