Smoking from underneath the car?

Tiny
MR. LEE
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 CHEVROLET LUMINA
  • 3.1L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
White smoke from underneath the car looks like on top of the catalytic converter and car shuts off
Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 AT 8:25 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,217 POSTS
You could have a plastic bag stuck the catalytic converter which is common, I would raise the car up for an inspection so you can see where the smoke is coming from. I have also seen engine oil leak from the valve covers and cause the same problem. Please use this video to help raise the car up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLFn_bMkZc0

Please upload an image or a short video in your response, so I can see what's going on.
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Thursday, December 11th, 2025 AT 9:54 AM
Tiny
MR. LEE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thank you for the suggestion but I looked under the car nothing stuck to the converter the smoke was coming from over top of it. The research I got so far points to a head gasket issue or a bad intake manifold gasket. If you have any other suggestions I'd love to hear
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Thursday, December 11th, 2025 AT 10:30 AM
Tiny
MR. LEE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
  • 1993 CHEVROLET LUMINA
  • 3.1L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
1993 Chevrolet Lumina Euro 3.1 liter V6 automatic transmission front wheel drive, was driving and started smelling a burning smell when pulled over to inspect there was heavy white smoke coming from behind the engine. I looked under the car and can see smoke coming from the catalytic converter but not out the rear exhaust but from underneath at the catalytic converter.
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Thursday, December 11th, 2025 AT 4:16 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,217 POSTS
Yes, a head gasket leak can cause smoke and the smell, here is a video to help us tell for sure if this is the problem, like I say if you upload as short video I can tell for sure as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zpNjYmmiYY

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Friday, December 12th, 2025 AT 8:22 AM

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