smoke? aw shit

[therox182]

When i drove to work this morning (3 minutes from my house), I got out of my car and noticed a slight bit of smoke and smelt a burning smell. I popped the hood and it looked like the smoke was coming from somewhere directly below the coolant tank. It wasn't coolant that was burning because I know what that smells like. I have no clue what it could be, so i'm hoping someone may be able to throw some possibilities at me. I know this may not be enough information, but its the best i can do on my lunch break.



oh and if there's anyone in the northern jersey area that has a pressure test and would be willing to lend me a hand to see if i have a boost leak somewhere, thatd be sweet. thanks in advance

[VR4-S4]

valve cover? turbo? Sounds like oil leakage

[ThirdStrike]

probably valve cover. is the half moon seal on the front of the head on the driver side head? i think it is. i say this because my half moon seal on the passenger head is leaking onto my exh manifold .. something to always check.

[ny02s4]

valve cover or cam adjuster seals.

[therox182]

i dont see any leakage of any sort if that helps at all. theres no dripping from the bottom or any visible moisture around the engine bay. guh please dont be a turbo situation.

[therox182]

if it's a valve cover, how difficult of a repair is it? how much $$$ am i looking at?

[ThirdStrike]

if it's a valve cover, how difficult of a repair is it? how much $$$ am i looking at?

dude DIY. its NOT hard. http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng52.shtml
and the valve cover gasket set is like 25 bucks

[NoLeafClover]

maybe secondary water pump when it goes bad it usually leaks behind there and drips on the tranny. i can do a boost leak test for you but im located in staten island ny 10314.

[S4 in_lowplaces]

^^^ i really dont think it woudl be that.

Its your valve cover, just replace everything thats right there. Half moon, Tensioner gasket (cam adjuster), valvecovers and it shoudl go away.

[therox182]

alright im gunna start looking into all of that. How serious is it if I were to drive the car as it is?

[S4 in_lowplaces]

Its not like having a blown tire which you need to fix right away but you shoudl get it done soon. GL