Cbryant2111

I noticed a bit of smoke coming out of the exhaust will driving slow through the a parking lot. Happens from a stop til about 2k rpm. It doesn't trail and it a good amount to see the puff rise up. Happens more so after driving for a while. Did a little video with car fully warmed up. Please share your input on what it could be before I assume the worst which is head gasket or piston rings. Thanks
https://youtu.be/16Bdik4o_hs
https://youtu.be/yC86yib_gQ8

Spike100

Your links don't work.

Is the "smoke" colored white or is it blue?

Cbryant2111

Thank you for replying. I usually can tell but there isn't enough for me to get a good look. Anychance you can copy and paste the link into a browser? Not sure why the link isn't working.

srv1990

Saw the video and its white smoke Spike. Copy and paste the links as Cbryant suggested..worked for me. As far as the cause of the smoke my first guess is excessive oil buildup inside the plenum and/or a faulty PCV valve. I would honestly start with replacing the PCV valve along with removing and cleaning the oil from the upper and lower plenum. If doing this stops the smoking an oil catch can will likely keep this in check for quite a while if not eliminating it completely. If this doesn't stop the smoke then most likely your on the right track with engine internals. Dirty cats can sometime cause this but the O2 sensors usually catch it and start throwing out codes. Hope any of this helps...

Cbryant2111

Thank you for that info. I will get on those repairs this weekend. Plus do a compression test. Don't have tools for a leak down but I'll see if I can get one. Just sold my z32 TT to try out this z33 for a better daily. 2 weeks old to me and I hope it's not a head blown.

srv1990

Also to save you the sticker shock like I had the first time, the PCV valve on these engines runs $11-$14 at any major parts store. What makes them so special is beyond me.

Cbryant2111

Lol Great thanks. I believe in oem for all my zs from the z31 to this one but some parts I will go auto parts store to save. I haven't had any issue with after market pcv plus I change them often for peace of mind. Just really hoping that is the cause. I've had stuck pcv valves before and plenum oil build up but I don't recall it smoking from the exhaust.

srv1990

Any luck with the smoking?

rustyschopshop

Make sure you check you coolant and engine oil. Possibility of a blown headgasket. Usually bluish tint smoke would be engine oil, although synthetics can lean more toward white. White smoke is normally coolant. I would also smell the smoke if you can. If it smells a little sweet, then really check for a blown head gasket.

Cbryant2111

Haven't had a chance to work on it as I planned. Sinus flu/cold killed my weekend. Getting better and hope to have it done this weekend. I just bought the car a few weeks ago for a commuter. Probably driven it 3xs after I noticed the smoke. Asked seller and he says it wasnt like that before. Of course it wasn't but it didn't do it during the test run so hard to know if he's telling the truth. He side jiffy lube could of placed to much oil. Unlikely but I don't know. I usually do my own oils and use what's recommended. I'll also change the oil this weekend.
Far as coolant goes it's over filled past the line in the reservoir. I'll have to pull some to see if it goes lower. The radiator coolant is filled and kinda poured out when I pulled the cap(car was cold from sitting over night when I checked). Gonna pull the pcv and see if they are good. I know if you shake them and they rattle it's good sign they maybe ok. Well thanks for checking and I'll update this soon as possible.

Cbryant2111

Spent the night trying to fix my non working electric seat issue. Now that's done I'm on to the pcv today. Before I start I have a question. If I clean and replace the valve how long or how fast will the oil in the plenum build back up?
Also after searching info I found that if I'm going in I might as well change the plenum intake gasket or should I not bother right now? Also is the oil catch can the only way to do a pcv delete?

dboyzalter

iTrader: (3)

The plenum gasket is basically a thin metal gasket its probably good to go.

srv1990

I agree with dboyzalter in regards to the plenum gasket...unless its bent or broken somehow, replacing it is honestly pointless. If you clean or replace the PCV valve it will start building up oil in the plenum again the first time you drive it...its just how that works unfortunately. It may not be a lot but adds up over time. Also you can have an oil catch without a PCV delete. Just keep everything in place and add the catch can. I would highly recommend one with some kind of internal baffle or mesh.

Cbryant2111

Thankso for the advice. I found out its a harder gasket vs the paper type in my 300zx. That's the only motor I've taken apart and put back together so everything on the 350 is new to me. Any special reason for a baffle or mesh can? I found a link for a diy can for temp use. Figured I'd go this route and see if it rids my issue. If so then I'll invest into a more suitable oil can setup. Here's the link http://g35driver.com/forums/engine-drivetrain-forced-induction/97390-makeshift-oil-catch-can.html