Engine smoking somewhere

[Link12]

Thanks for the heads up, I will add that to the list when I finally get mine done.

Here is you a toyota parts list for the job.

 

[andyo]

Hold something cold (like a plate of flat metal or glass) in the smoke stream so the smoke condenses on the plate. Might have to repeat a couple of times, but you should be able to distinguish between oil or antifreeze then.

Great idea, thanks for sharing! Thanks to everyone that's contributed to bringing this thread back to life.

 

[andyo]

So I've been running the 4Runner more often lately and the problem might not be that bad. Out of the past 4 or 5 times running the engine up to temp I don't see the smoke anymore. The smell is still there but it's definitely less than before. I took a paper towel to the area in question on the header/down pipe joint and found that there was a little oil on it. Nothing major, but whatever was leaking has pretty much burned off by now.

 

[Catixa]

I've been having this problem, the engine started smoking while i was driving and getting hot. Then when I pulled into my driveway the car cut completely off and starting smoking even worse. Has anyone else had this problem? I know it's not a very detailed description, but I don't have experience with mechanics at all. I only know what happened. Thanks.

 

[Dieselchessy]

I've been having this problem, the engine started smoking while i was driving and getting hot. Then when I pulled into my driveway the car cut completely off and starting smoking even worse. Has anyone else had this problem? I know it's not a very detailed description, but I don't have experience with mechanics at all. I only know what happened. Thanks.

I believe what your describing is what many folks call "running it into the ground".

I'm going to guess your valve cover gaskets leak and you've either ran it out of oil, or your head gasket or water pump also leak and you've ran it damn near out of coolant.

I'd let her cool off and then check the oil level and coolant level.

 

[MAD 69]

My ‘98 has been having this problem since I got 14 years ago. Lately it has become really bad, about 6 months ago my mechanic replaced all valve cover gaskets but the problem only seemed to get worse. Not sure what to do with this 4Runner, it still looks great gets decent MPG and the engine “only” has 280K on it.
The frame is rusting away and I need a shock mount welded on as well. I don't really want to get rid of it, I need a beater truck still