The valve cover gasket prevents engine oil from entering the combustion chamber. Some gaskets include seals for spark plugs as well. When the gaskets are defective or aren’t installed correctly, oil can reach the combustion chamber or the exhaust manifold.
It will cause white smoke from exhaust after valve cover change. Here is a list of reasons.
- The valve cover gasket is defective
- The gasket isn’t installed correctly
- Residual oil or debris entered the engine
- Coolant leaked into the combustion chamber
I will delve into the detailed reasons and show you the solutions to mitigate the white smoke. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
White Smoke From Exhaust After Valve Cover Gasket Change: Quick Fixes
Check the following chart for some quick fixes to this problem.
| Reasons | Fixes |
|---|---|
| The valve cover gasket is defective | Change the valve cover gasket |
| The gasket isn’t installed correctly | Reinstall the gasket by following the user’s manual. Tighten it properly |
| Residual oil or debris entered the engine | Let the oil or debris break in |
| Coolant leaked into the combustion chamber | Drive for some time to burn the coolant off. Check the cooling system for leaks and fix them |
White Smoke From Exhaust After Valve Cover Gasket Change: Top 4 Reasons and Solutions
The following reasons create white smoke from the exhaust after you have changed the valve cover gasket. Check the solutions carefully.
1. The Valve Cover Gasket Is Defective
Valve cover gaskets are like two-way shields. They prevent external and internal elements from entering the combustion chamber. Also, the gaskets don’t allow fuel in the combustion chamber to escape. The gaskets are made of rubber, and they can sometimes be faulty.
So, even if you have changed the gasket, it won’t seal the engine properly. You will notice the following symptoms.
- White Smoke from the Exhaust: Engine oil can penetrate into the combustion chamber if the gasket is faulty. It will burn inside and produce white smoke from the exhaust.
- Change in Engine Temperature: The engine temperature gauge can have erratic movements if the gasket is faulty and oil is burnt in the engine.
- Oil Light Turned On: Modern cars have sensors to detect oil leaks. You may see the oil light come up on the dashboard.
- Burning Smell: You may also get an oil-burning smell from the engine.
Step-By-Step Solution
Step 1
Turn the car off and let it cool down. Then, pop the hood and open the valve cover.
Step 2
Check for signs of defective manufacturing on the valve cover gasket. If it is defective, remove the gasket. Ask for a warranty from the manufacturer if it is available.
Step 3
Otherwise, purchase a new gasket and install it. Make sure it is positioned correctly. Then, close the valve cover.
2. The Gasket Isn’t Installed Correctly
If you have installed the gasket for the first time or got it done by a busy mechanic, the installation might be a bit off. Sometimes, over-tightening the gasket can result in cracked gaskets.
It will cause oil leaks into the combustion chamber. As a result, you will notice the symptoms I mentioned in the previous section. I won’t repeat those and go directly into the fixing part.
Step-By-Step Solution
Step 1
You need to reinstall the valve cover gasket. Turn the engine off and let it cool down. Then, open the valve cover by removing the screws with a torque wrench.
Step 2
Remove the gasket. Then, reposition the gasket so that it is aligned with the marking on the valve cover.
Step 3
Position the valve cover gently so that the gasket doesn’t move out of its position. Insert the bolts and tighten them using a torque wrench.
Step 4
You should follow the manufacturer’s recommendation about the tightening order of the bolts and the torque range. Generally, you need about 6-7 lb-ft of torque to tighten the valve cover bolts.
Step 5
Start the engine and run the engine for a few minutes to see if the problem is solved.
3. Residual Oil or Debris Entered the Engine
If the mechanic or you are not careful while changing the valve cover gasket, foreign particles can enter the engine. Residual oil from the engine parts can also penetrate the combustion chamber. In that case, there will be white smoke from the exhaust. Besides, you will see these symptoms.
- Noise from the Engine: It happens if there are foreign particles inside the combustion chamber. There will be a knocking noise from the engine.
- Engine Misfiring: Sometimes, residual oil can reach the spark plugs and prevent it from igniting the air-fuel mixture. The engine will misfire intermittently because of this reason. You may also notice engine misfire at low RPM.
Step-By-Step Solution
Step 1
You don’t have a lot to do in this case. Just continue driving as usual and wait for some time. The residual oil should be burnt off, and the white smoke will go away. Microparticles can also get out of the chamber with the exhaust gas.
Step 2
If you continue to hear knocking from the engine, contact a professional mechanic as soon as possible. They should dismantle the engine and check it thoroughly for large debris.
4. Coolant Leaked Into the Combustion Chamber
Lenient replacement of valve cover gaskets can result in a disturbance in the cooling system. If the coolant leaks when the valve cover is open, it can reach the combustion chamber.
When you turn the engine on, the coolant will burn inside the engine and produce white smoke from the exhaust. You will notice the following symptoms.
- Engine Temperature Will Increase: You will see the engine temperature gauge rise if coolant gets into the engine.
- Sweet Smell from the Exhaust Smoke: The burning of coolant produces a sweet smell. If the white smoke from the exhaust smells syrupy or sweet, the coolant leak is the reason.
Step-By-Step Solution
Step 1
Check the cooling system for leaks, especially near the intake manifold and the valve cover. Fix the leaks by using a high-quality sealer. I suggest using the K-Seal Multipurpose Sealer to fix the leaks. It seals leaks and cracks permanently.
Step 2
If there is no sign of leaks or you have already fixed the leak, let the engine run normally. The leaked coolant will burn off gradually, and the white smoke will go away.
What if the smoke is coming from the valve cover? Check the detailed reasons and solutions. You should also check this video:
People Also Ask
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions regarding white smoke from exhaust after valve cover gasket change. Check them out.
Do I need to use silicone while installing the valve cover gasket?
It depends on what the manufacturer suggests. If the user’s manual doesn’t recommend it, you don’t need to use silicone before installing the gasket.
Is it dangerous if white smoke comes from the exhaust after the valve cover gasket changes?
Yes, but it won’t cause any damage instantly. You should address the problem quickly so that the engine can perform optimally.
Conclusion
Unnatural smoke colors indicate something is wrong with your car. If there is white smoke from exhaust after valve cover gasket change, the reason can be improper installation. Defective gaskets can also be responsible for this.
As a result, oil or coolant leaks into the engine, and white smoke comes from the exhaust. You should recheck the gasket and reinstall it if necessary. Also, check for oil or coolant leaks in the engine and fix the leaks. This should eliminate the white smoke from the exhaust.
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