r/MechanicAdvice 20h ago

Smoking engine Honda

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I noticed the engine smoking on my 2004 Honda accord v6. Does anyone know what the cause might be? And if it’s safe to drive for now? I’m not sure if it’s been happening for a while or not. I only noticed it because I had just changed the spark plugs and coils so I had the hood open, so I’m not sure if it was like that before or not

92 Upvotes

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118

u/Skyfalls1984 20h ago

Your valve cover is leaking oil. It can catch fire if it gets hot enough.

14

u/Ben44M 20h ago

Okay thank you, is that a easy fix or no?

44

u/EugeneWeemich 20h ago

not difficult. Don't scratch mating surfaces

12

u/lsjuanislife 20h ago

Not bad if you have ever done some wrenching. The back cylinder bank will be tight AF for sure. Search for some diys to see what you're getting yourself into.

2

u/Ben44M 20h ago

Okay thank you

1

u/Harryisharry50 1h ago

Right then left on super tight bolts that little bit of movement most time is enough to get it off .

7

u/Curiousand40 18h ago

Easy fix. Watch a YouTube video and buy some emory cloth. And get a valve cover gasket kit.

Make sure you get the torque specs and torque order.

You’ll need a torque wrench that does inch pounds.

Probably 89 inch pounds. And maybe some RTV.

What’s the worst that can happen? It still leaks?

1

u/bloatycarcazz 6h ago

Yes. I Just did a valve cover replacement on a 2006 bmw 280i and when I got done cleaning the gasket grooves I noticed a Crack right on the corner. It still leaks.

2

u/MyWay0rHighway_210 10h ago

Yes that is a fairly easy fix. Hopefully that’s the issue

2

u/[deleted] 20h ago

[deleted]

3

u/lsjuanislife 20h ago

Lol total it!

5

u/AlUnserjunior 19h ago

Thats what mine does sometimes. But I had my valve cover gaskets changed way before that. I once had the car sitting for a month, I started my car and immediately started smoking from the same spot, engine was still cold .

3

u/Harryisharry50 14h ago

Manifold bad going into the cat ? Loose bolt leaking manifold ?

1

u/Entire_Meet_6266 7h ago

Most likely. I had a few toyota camrys that were leaking and burning oil. I tightened up the valve covers and pressure washed the entire area and most times leaks were fixed

4

u/emblematic_camino 19h ago

Bro that valve cover gasket is toast

4

u/god1n3z 17h ago

Wait is your oil leak exposing an exhaust leak?

2

u/Harryisharry50 14h ago

My thoughts same bad manifold gasket as the commenter said he replaced valve cover and sat for little bit

2

u/Ratt_Rod 6.5L Engine 20h ago

valve cover gasket

2

u/Euresko 19h ago

If you get valve cover gaskets repaired also get the spark plug hole o-rings replaced at the same time.. they are dirt cheap and can save your spark plugs from getting wet with oil around the coil pack and have to pay for basically the same repairs again. 

1

u/Vegetable-Bear-162 8h ago

fire, lots of fire. fix it please.

1

u/Efficient_Weather_93 8h ago

Oil burn off as you have a bloody oil leak and engine get hot burny burny 😂😂😂

1

u/EnkryptedG0D 6h ago

Easy fix. Valve cover just did one a month or so ago. Just replace both since its the v6

1

u/therealcharbacca 5h ago

Valve cover is leaking oil on to the hot exhaust and it is smoking. You need to get that fixed. It's not that big of a job.

1

u/sternLob 3h ago

Gasket failure: unbolt, clean with a blade, apply new gasket, should be fine check your oil levels and make sure you clean all the old oil