White Smoke from front of engine.

[Flametiva]

When the car is warm. There is white smoke coming from the front of the engine by the spark plugs. The engine has a lot of grease all around it. I do not know what is wrong with it. Is it something serious. If it is what is it and what can I do to fix it.

[therris]

I'd guess you've got a leaky valve cover gasket. Would explain the smoke and crud on the engine. Check the oil level, then clean off the engine. Drive it and check it periodically for more oil on the engine or crud buildup.

[Tim]

Mine does that. It's especially noticeable on cold days.

Nothing to worry about though, as long as you check the oil regularly.

[Safety Guy]

Clean things up as best you can and then see what happens. Check your coolant levels to see if it goes down which could signal leakage into your engine.

Karl

[packrat427]

Re: White Smoke from front of engine.

When the car is warm. There is white smoke coming from the front of the engine by the spark plugs. The engine has a lot of grease all around it. I do not know what is wrong with it. Is it something serious. If it is what is it and what can I do to fix it.

I am guessing we are talking about a Festiva ??

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3590

Are you sure it is smoke or steam .
Does it happen only during warm up , and goes away when the motor is up to temp.

Does it have a smell ?
What does the condition of your engine oil and coolant look like.
Last thing , have you noticed a loss in coolant .

[Flametiva]

Thanks for pointing the rules to me. It's a 1993 Ford Festiva GL. Two door, 5 speed automatic, A/C. I am not sure if its smoke or steam but I am leaning towards steam. It has a smell but I do not quite know how to describe it. It starts when the temp gauge moved almost midway. I do not know if its goes away I stop the engine right after the smoke starts. As far as the condition of the oil and coolant I will check it and post it tomorrow.

[Dave G]

Maybe that O-ring joint in the intake manifold heater line? (Or whatever that pipe does... :roll: )

[geezerstiva]

if its steam, it could be the radiator cap or the radiator itself. if you think it is steam, try replaceing the cap. i think they're like ten bucks at auto zone.