Intermitten White Smoke And Bogging Down

[jaseinatl]

Just the other day, my car started sputtering and dragging and spitting out white smoke. Then it went away. Then it came back.

I took it to a local Toyota Specialist company in Atlanta and they replaced the rack and pinion steering (separate issue). They said that the power steering had been leaking for a long time and the bushings were destroyed. While they did this, they found oil in the distributor cap, but indicated that it was probably just a bad seal on the cap--so they replaced it, but not the distributor.

They pressure tested the engine for 24 hours longer than they usually do (because someone forgot that it was running and left it pressurized) and found no drop in pressure and no leaks.

When we took the car home, it was fine until the next day and it started again.

So, the only other weird thing that we have had is this: For a while, when you would turn right or even turn on the right turn signal, the car would almost die. On occasion it would die. I figure there's some sort of electrical short (probably having to do with the slipshod stereo/amp installation bouncing around in the trunk).

The car was previously owned by a Lexus Master Tech and is in pristine condition. Any ideas what could be causing the problem?

I know it's a long shot, but I figured I would ask. Thanks in advance for any information you may have.

Jase

[jaseinatl]

Okay, with the new distributor in I get the car home and in less than one day the smoke starts up again. I let the car sit for almost two weeks and notice that the engine compartment is completely dry....no leaks.

I start the car up and she runs like a champ. But then I notice the strong exhaust smell. I've noticed it for some time and wondered if there was a leak in the exhaust system somewhere around the passenger-seat side of the undercarriage.

While checking out the exhaust manifold from above, I notice about three or four streaks of liquid (oil?) dripping from the connection where the exhaust header connects. Smoke comes from where the leak hits the V in the header. I can't see the exact location because there is some panel in the way, but I can definitely see a leak of some sort.

Although the smoke from the hood is from the leaking oil burning off when it hits the header, it doesn't account for the huge amount of smoke that comes out the tailpipe. It's thick white smoke and it stinks. Is it possible that I have something blocking my exhaust system and it's backing up/leaking at the header?

I have taken it back to the specialist again, but could really use some advice.

Thanks in advance if anyone knows anything.

jase

[jaseinatl]

Well, since it would appear that I am the only one interested in this topic, I thought I might keep myself company by posting the latest update.

I have returned the car to the service techs back in August and haven't heard a thing from them. I have made another post along these lines hoping that someone would be willing to at least give me some advice.

After walking for about 10 miles in the heat the other day, I called the techs and was irate that they still didn't know what was wrong with it. They read the information in the computer back to me as though they had done something with it but didn't realize that I was the one who had given them the information. They lied to me about having the wrong phone number (they have called us before) and said that they were still working on it. I have been without it for 7 months now and I am really at wits end.

I realize it is foolish to continue to post here since no one has replied (although this thread has been view 530 times), but I keep crossing my fingers and hoping that someone can give me some reasonable advice.

Thanks in advance for your time,

jase

[option00002]

Bring it somewhere else!!!

Could it be a head gasket (white smoke)?

On another note why don't you post on ClubLexus as their board is more active(.02)? I bet with a very good description you will get 10 responses in 24 hours.

[option00002]

!

[jaseinatl]

Will do. Thanks for the advice. I will check them out right away and I'll tell them you sent me!

I really do appreciate your help.

Best wishes,

jase

[option00002]

Will do. Thanks for the advice. I will check them out right away and I'll tell them you sent me!

I really do appreciate your help.

Best wishes,

jase

Jase,

I have not seen your post on CL. What doin'?

Best,

Landis

[jaseinatl]

Sorry. I had a server crash on me and I have been swamped (pulling 18 hour days) all week (and Wednesday was birthday even). I appreciate your dilligence and here is the link to my post:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showpost.p...amp;postcount=1

It's extensive and I wouldn't blame folks for not reading it all, I just thought it would be good to put it all out there to start and then lure folks in to reading it by posting a more concise explanation. LOL

Thanks again for your help. We'll see how things go.

jase