After Changing all gaskets and one entire head it still smokes and I cannot figure out why

Tiny
WES04RADO
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 OLDSMOBILE ALERO
  • 120,000 MILES
I have a 2000 Oldsmobile alero with the 3.4l v6. One day driving it suddenly overheated and broke down. Assuming it was the head gasket I took the motor apart to replace all gaskets. Upon disassembly I noticed the exhaust valve in cylinder 3 had a chip out of it. I replaced the valve and the cylinder walls did not seem to be scored so I reassembled the motor with all new gaskets. Upon startup it leaked water and had a significant amount of smoke both out of the exhaust and cylinder 3 had a misfire. To avoid further problems I once again bought all new gaskets and also replaced the entire head on the rear side where cylinder 3 is located. Now it still smokes significantly out of the exhaust but doesn't seem to be losing any coolant nor does there appear to be any coolant in the oil. All spark plugs look clean and the car is throwing no codes but the ses light stays on. Any help would be appreciated I am stumped at this point and do not know what to try next.
Monday, February 13th, 2012 AT 1:11 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
How long have you run it? Cat/exhaust system/muffler could be loaded with coolant which does not burn off as fast as water alone.
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Monday, February 13th, 2012 AT 1:28 AM
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Did you have heads pressure tested/checked for cracks/leaks?
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Monday, February 13th, 2012 AT 1:29 AM
Tiny
WES04RADO
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have run it 3 different times. About 20 minutes each time
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Monday, February 13th, 2012 AT 1:31 AM
Tiny
WES04RADO
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  • 2 POSTS
The new head was supposed to have been checked and was ok. The old one I did not have checked. I assumed it was ok seeing as the only issues I had before all seemed to come from the rear head and cylinders.
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Monday, February 13th, 2012 AT 1:39 AM
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
Thats a nono youll need to test the coolant for hydro carbons. Its a kit you can buy from the parts store.
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Monday, February 13th, 2012 AT 10:04 PM
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Pressure test cooling system too.
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2012 AT 2:40 AM

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