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Engine smokes with new head gasket
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zmasterflex
User
Aug 17, 2009, 2:41 PM
Post #1 of 3
(1296 views)
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Engine smokes with new head gasket
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1995 volvo 850 GLT 2.3L I5(100k). Just finished installing a new headgasket. On initial startup the engine started smoking after about 10-20 seconds. I waited a few minutes, restarted and the same thing happened. The smoke is accompanied by a burning smell. The smoke is coming from the "rear" of the engine. The only "part" in the rear is the exhaust manifold and coolant pipe. It's hard to see exactly where the smoke is originating from. I couldn't tell if it was from the head, the exhaust or the valve cover.
The engine doesn't show any other sign of a problem (ie: timing is good, no shaking or noises)
The car sat for a year and a half before being repaired so I did spend time cleaning out the gelled up antifreeze stuck in the water jacket but I might have missed some. I did torque the head bolts to spec, and I did put in new exhaust "gaskets". I also used a light coating of RTV silicone to seal the valve cover.
Where do I start a diagnosis from?
If it's from the head gasket, no liquids are leaking out.
If its from the exhaust, why is it a nasty burning smell as if rubber was on fire? An exhaust leak presumably would be accompanied by a loud noise (?)
If it's from the valve cover (its a DOHC engine), why the heck would the rear cam be burning on startup?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Aug 17, 2009, 2:58 PM
Post #2 of 3
(1294 views)
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Re: Engine smokes with new head gasket
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On most engine repairs, you are going to have a period where oil, cleaners, etc need to burn off. It's normal to have smoke & smells until it's reached operatigng temp & has run for a while. I would check to make sure no harness are against the exhaust or any hot tubing. As long as it's running good, not leaking anything, no strange nosies, run it for a bit and is should slowly get better. Usually they need to be taken for a couple of good drives before the smells completely go away......... Use normal common sense before taking it on the road, if it has electric fans, definately make sure the fans come on 1st.
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zmasterflex
User
Aug 18, 2009, 12:49 AM
Post #3 of 3
(1284 views)
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Re: Engine smokes with new head gasket
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Thanks for the quick reply. I had hoped that this was considered normal, it's just that the nature of the smell is a nasty burning --unlike oil or coolant burning. Is there a procedere that I need to follow to wait for it to go away? ie: how long do I wait before I have to assume something wasn't done correctly?
Thanks!!
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