small "puff"of smoke from engine.

[derrek_josh]

Hi all, does anyone know what causes a small puff of smoke comming out of the engine, on the drivers side, where the hood meets the windsheild, once every couple months or so and smells like something burning, yet, nothing wrong with the car, runs like a charm ? 2002 Tbird. Ford dealer cannot find anything.

[Jim Young]

Re: small "puff"of smoke from engine.

my guess would be... your power steering resavore (?) is leaking out of the top seal a little ( problem on our cars ) and dripping down on a hot engine ... and causes a little smoke.. Jim

[carnut]

Re: small "puff"of smoke from engine.

You may want to look over this thread http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...=burning+smell and http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...281#post276281
I had the same thing and replaced the passenger side valve cover gasket. If you follow through the linked thread you will find a web site and a document that may be useful to you.
Good luck!
Warren

[5bird7]

Re: small "puff"of smoke from engine.

I tend to agree with carnut. One of the valve cover gaskets may be leaking - just slightly, not enough to be real noticeable especially back under the windshield.

[luvbirdz]

Re: small "puff"of smoke from engine.

I agree that something must be dripping on the exhaust, just have to get your head in there to see where it's coming from( as if that is easy).
On the other hand, please introduce yourself to the forum as you just joined and I am in Barrie. If you have any social interests in getting together with other T-Bird owners, Snowbird (007 Martin) has started a Sunday Brunch in Oakville and I joined him along with Dave and Gord (and spouses) last Sunday, went for a cruise after, had a great day.
Martin

[derrek_josh]

Re: small "puff"of smoke from engine.

Thank you "all" for the reply, very helpfull. I'm derrek in toronto, joined this forum yesterday. Tbird has 129 kl approx 78k miles and no problems since new so hopefully it will remain like this. Then again it is climbing up there but still looks inside out, like the day it was bought.

[luvbirdz]

Re: small "puff"of smoke from engine.

That's great to hear you have been problem free, gives me hope as I have not had any and the original owner(friend from Winnipeg) said the same. I just hit 41k KM . You obviously get out and enjoy it regularly with that kind of milage, do you store it for the winter or keep it handy for the clear days that Toronto so often has in the winter. I will always store it as I have done with my 82 LeBaron convertible, they last a long time when you keep them out of the salt and I don't get much pleasure unless I can get the top down.
If you are ever up this way, let me know, Bird Lovers are always welcome.
Martin

[00mustng]

Re: small "puff"of smoke from engine.

....Mine does the same thing...has for awhile now....mine is the power steering line from the reservoir...you can see it runs close to the exhaust manifold...I just keep an eye on the reservoir level and top it up from time to time...just a couple of drops...I hesitate to take it to my friendly Ford dealer as it would be the perfect lead in for..."looks like we have to replace the power steering unit"..."we can offer financing to defer the cost"....Since I've lost my sense of smell...It doesn't bother me anymore!

[RMF1960]

Re: small "puff"of smoke from engine.

I had the same problem. It only gets worse. It starts out small, but as the gasket deteriorates, the burning (and subsequent smoke / smell) will worsen. I had my valve cover gasket replaced and it solved the problem. Not cheap, of course, because most of the job expense is labor. Remember, a little dripping oil on a hot manifold will go a long way toward smoke and smell!

[carnut]

Re: small "puff"of smoke from engine.

Just want to point out that if it is from the valve cover gasket it is not a major job to replace - see the documentation I posted earlier. Also, note that I didn't have a lot of oil dripping but every once in a while I would see a puff of smoke and smell it.

[derrek_josh]

Re: small "puff"of smoke from engine.

Hey there Martin, I run the car mostly from Toronto to New Brunswick hence the high milleage, I also run it in winter but the roads must be dry as a bone even tho I realise there is always a fine salt dust but my bro is the one who undercoats it and he also coats the front fenders as well even tho they are fiberglass..... lol. Had an 88 Cadi b4 this and when I gave it to my brother it still looked showroom, he is still running it today. Guess it pays off somewhat to look after these.....