1999 Dodge Avenger - White Smoke from engine!

Tiny
SHOKEPEREZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 DODGE AVENGER
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 118,000 MILES
1999 Dodge Avenger V6 2.5. Issue started after I changed the spark plugs and wires. Was getting a check engine light. Was told it was an unspecified spark plug or ignition coil. Changed Ignition coil and about a week later check engine light came on again for the same reason. Both times I had it check by a computer. Then about 2 weeks later I saw white smoke coming from under my hood. I popped the hood and saw white smoke coming from under what looked like the upper manifold around spark plug #5 area. I changed out the spark plugs again with new ones and took the car for a test drive to the store 4 miles away. The car stalled coming back less then a mile from my house. Was able to restart the car and make it home. I need to know what is wrong and how to fix. Is it the manifold gaskets or something like that? Please help! Thanks you!
Sunday, June 12th, 2011 AT 1:03 AM

15 Replies

Tiny
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Hi:

White smoke usually comes from coolant. Can you see any leaks? Have you noticed if the coolant level was at all low? Also, if you have an OBD2 scanner, it should identify which cylinder is missing. When you removed the #5 plug, what did the electroid look like (what color was it?)

Joe
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Sunday, June 12th, 2011 AT 3:49 AM
Tiny
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I have not seen any leaks so far, but I have a gravel driveway so that makes things fun. The OBD2 scanner did not specify a certain plug. I got P0300 as the code. And I did check the coolant level and it looked fine to me. The spark plug looks like it has alittle bit of oil on it but not much. I just put the new spark plugs in and only ran the car once to the store and once back so it looks clean.
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Sunday, June 12th, 2011 AT 3:55 AM
Tiny
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I understand. Random misfire. Based on what you described, I believe you have a intake leaking. The white smoke has to be coolant. Have you checked for a vacuum leak around the intake?
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Sunday, June 12th, 2011 AT 3:59 AM
Tiny
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Actually I am not sure how to do that exactly. Lol
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Sunday, June 12th, 2011 AT 4:13 AM
Tiny
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With the engine cold, start the engine and spray carb cleaner or starting fluid near where the leak may be. If there is a leak, the engine will either die or rev higher. NOTE: PLEASE be careful. Both car cleaner and starting fluid is extremely flamable. If you hit an exhaust manifold or any are that is hot enough, it could catch fire. Keep a fire extinguisher near you. (I don't mean to scare you, but have to mention that).
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Sunday, June 12th, 2011 AT 4:18 AM
Tiny
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I do have the book for my car, as far as I know all the hoses look and feel fine, but obviously I am missing something. Could you narrow down the area I need to look. I am going to ask a REALLY stupid question but where is the intake specifically? That way tomorrow I can take it back apart and see if I see what you are asking?
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Sunday, June 12th, 2011 AT 4:19 AM
Tiny
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Ok. I completely undestand. Ive seen that happen before watching other people. Not fun! Okay now do I remove the cover over the 1, 3 & 5 spark plugs? If so my car doesnt exactly run very well when the cover is off since I think it is part of the upper manifold or is the upper manifold. With all the extra air when it is removed makes my car very unhappy. Will it work if I spray the fluid behind it?
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Sunday, June 12th, 2011 AT 4:25 AM
Tiny
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Here are pictures. The first one is the plenum and the second is the intake. They are located on the top of the engine. The plenum is on top of the intake. It could have a leak too.
Images (Click to make bigger)
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Sunday, June 12th, 2011 AT 4:26 AM
Tiny
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Sorry, I missed you message before I sent the pictures. I'm not sure what you are removing. Look at the pictures. You want to check for leaks where the parts bolt together.
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Sunday, June 12th, 2011 AT 4:28 AM
Tiny
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Okay it was the Intake manifold plenum I was referring too. Now that I have something to go off of I think I can figure it out. Thank you. If I have any further questions I will message you back! Thanks again! Pictures help! Lol
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Sunday, June 12th, 2011 AT 4:37 AM
Tiny
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Glad to help. Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Sunday, June 12th, 2011 AT 4:39 AM
Tiny
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Okay the leak is coming from the front valve cover. I replaced the valve cover gasket and added alittle bit of oil since some leaked out, but now my check engine light is on again? The tempurate level are back to normal when before they where high and I found that there was a very small hose not connected to the EGR which I reattached. Im not sure if I missed something else. Any suggestions?
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Tuesday, June 14th, 2011 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
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It sounds like you have been busy. The hose from the EGR would have caused a vacuum leak. That could have set your check engine light. Have you rescanned the computer to see what the code is?
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2011 AT 3:16 AM
Tiny
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You have no idea! LOL Okay I have not been able to get it checked but now whenever I stop the car just shuts off. It is fine when I am driving and it doesnt do it right away. It'll drive for 10-15 minutes and then it will just shut off when I stop at a light or something. I seems like when I think I fixed one problem something else happens and I have had this car for two years and never had any problems until I changed out the spark plugs and wires. I take good care of my car, I get the oil changed when I am supposed to and everything. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2011 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
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Is it running smooth since you replaced the plugs? If not, are you sure you got everything put back together correctly? Also, when it dies at an idle, that still leads me to believe there may be a vacuum leak or the IAC (Idle Air Control Valve) may be causing problems.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, June 16th, 2011 AT 2:47 AM

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