Smoking engine

**RedRocketS4** · 07-14-2008 06:52 AM

I changed out the valve cover gaskets and the cam chain tensioner gaskets using the kit found here:

http://blauparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GF21002

I installed everything using the tech article found on AW. I put some of the provided loctite on various parts of the gasket and also made sure the position of the cam chain was correct. I cranked it up and everything sounded fine. I took it for a spin around the block and parked it. popped the hood and noticed some smoke. the smoke is coming from what seems to be the bottom side of both valve cover gaskets. I've never smelled this type of smoke before, but it doesn't smell like burning oil, burning coolant, or any of the "normal" smells. The car was on for a total of about 5 minutes.

has anyone experienced this when changing a valve cover gasket? Is the gasket just setting itself or what? any help would be greatly appreciated.

**RolledMySTi** · 07-14-2008 08:36 AM

Did you make sure to put the gasket goop in the corners of the valve cover gaskets? I did a poor job of that and mine where leaking oil down on the manifolds which was causing smoke. Go to the auto parts store and buy one of those telescoping mirrors so you can look down there and see if oil is leaking. You may have to redo your gaskets.

**RedRocketS4** · 07-14-2008 08:56 AM

yeah, i put the loctite on as suggested and i felt all around the gaskets and no oil or anything was coming from around the gasket. i used the silicone gasket compound that came with the kit. i also cleaned the engine bay before i did it. could it be the engine bright i used? the smoke smells nothing like gas, oil, coolant, etc. it smells maybe like burning plastic or something and is coming from both gaskets...?

any other suggestions?

**RedRocketS4** · 07-14-2008 02:43 PM

bump

**exorcet** · 07-14-2008 02:49 PM

it very well could be the 'engine bright' burning off if you didn't rinse it 100%. Has the smell gotten worse or better?

it may just be something residual that just needs to burn off. Maybe drive around for a bit and then check for leaks. It might go away on it's own.

**AudiSportB5S4** · 07-14-2008 03:03 PM

i dont use anything on my engine anymore. i had sprayed simple green carelessly around, i mean on the biturbo cover, and it ended up chewing my front belt up and pieces of it were on the flipside of the hood. engines are meant to get a bit dirty lol