[Bmkrueger]

I have been getting some smoke off and on for a while since buying my Forester. At first I believed it had to do with the leaky power steering pump but I replaced that recently.

Typically I get the smoke coming from when I have been pushing the car a bit, particularly driving in Sport Mode. My wife pointed out the correlation with sport mode and the smoke. Case in point, did a climb today from about 4500 feet to a little over 7000 at 55-65 mph and had the car smoking at a rest stop for the kiddos.

I would like to hear what you all think. The smoke has an oily smell to it and from what I can tell is the result of something burning off of the exhaust manifold.

Thank you and please don’t hesitate to ask for more details if needed. I will do my best to provide them.

 

[Kevin]

G'day & Welcome!

First off check your front RHS driveshaft for split CV boots.

If not that you'll need to have a look under the car for oil leaks e.g. sump seal, leaks from timing cover etc.

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[Bmkrueger]

Kevin, thank you for the quick reply and suggestions. I will get the ramps out today and look under that car.

 

[gathermewool]

The two times I’ve had smoke under the hood we’re:

1. Torn CV shaft boot (slung grease everywhere)

2. ATF spilled on exhaust. Smoke dissipated relatively quickly, but was still alarming

 

[Bmkrueger]

I too was wondering about the ATF because it made quite the mess when I was replacing the power steering pump. The smoke does dissipate quickly after shutdown but it is quite thick. Still need a chance to get out to the garage and look at the boots.

 

[gathermewool]

Kinda left out the "quite the mess" part in your OP, huh??? >

 

[sneefy]

I've had smoke coming from the hood once. Turned out it was a leaking oil filter. Oil would blow onto the exhaust while driving and burned off when I stopped moving.

Obviously this would be for an EJ series engine where the oil filter was right in the crook of the exhaust manifold.

 

[Bmkrueger]

Hahaha, I suppose I should have led with that; my mistake. I had the chance to get under the car today and my boots are in good shape so much to my dismay, I can check off CV boot.

I did notice a little weeping at the press fitting immediately after the banjo bolt on the hydraulic line coming from the power steering pump to the rack and pinion but I have some trouble believing that would generate enough fluid to make the amount of smoke I was seeing. So unfortunately, I feel like this leaves me going the route of oil leak.

I will be trying to diagnose that as I have the time. BTW, does anyone have a suggestion for retrieving a broken dipstick from the tube? My grab handle snapped off, I am guessing because the plastic did not like the changes in hot and cold my Forester is subjected to.