Thread: P38 Smoke from Under the Bonnet

Power steering leak?

I do hope you have not let the smoke out of the electrical system.

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

I do hope you have not let the smoke out of the electrical system.

That would be the smoke normally held in by mirrors.

Power steering fluid sounds feasible, maybe even some blow-back through the transmission dip-stick.

I had a problem coming back from Mudgee recently, after nailing the car up the passing lanes there was a bad smell, not oil which gradually turned to smoke then it caught fire!!! fortunately i have a fire extinguisher which put it out. After that it seemed fine but I would like to replace the cats obviously with 260 k on the clock they are suspect any way. Had you been pushing the car? or just cruising?

Originally Posted by PaulP38a

That would be the smoke normally held in by mirrors.

Electricity is smoke. If you let the smoke out of any electrical device it usually stops working, thus proving the theory that electricity is smoke.

Originally Posted by BusinessConnected

Hello All,
Noticed today that I'm getting some Smoke from Under the Bonnet on the 4.6HSE (1995). It's coming from the Passenger Side of the Engine... at the rear... at first I thought it was a Rocker Cover Oil Leak so I cleaned any oil residue. Car was then started again but looks ok.

I believe the Smoke is coming from a Drop falling on the Exhaust Manifolds or Exhaust itself and then burning to smoke. Oil Levels are holding ok, and no overheating has been experienced as yet.

I had driven from Melbourne to Albury & Back in the last 2 days... didn't notice any smoke then, only when I returned have I noticed the smoke.

I guess just looking if anyone has experienced the same thing before I drop it in to the mechanics tomorrow.

hmm, p38 smoke problem,
i suggest you observe the smoke until it appears from the rear window, if no flames visible then, break all windows to allow more oxygen in and call the insurance company...


it doesn't take much oil from a rocker cover or the like to land on a hot exhaust and make smoke.
try looking at the exhaust manifolds in the morning before you start it, you may find the oil on the manifold.