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I have a 2007 Acura TL Base model, about 120k miles on it. Noticed last week at a red light that smoke was coming from under the hood. Stopped and checked under the hood and it seemed to be what looked like a probe (with wires on one end, see picture) into the engine block. Sorry for the total newbie description but I was hoping someone could tell me what this part (probe) is. It has oil residue around it which was probably causing the smoke. I know I have a minor transmission fluid. Could it be related, maybe the leak got worse? Any help is greatly appreciated!!
Thanks very much for the prompt response thoiboi. Could this leak be a transmission fluid leak or a different (new) leak? I’m just wondering if this is an old problem that got worse or a new one. Thanks again!
Originally Posted by thoiboi
Looks like you have a pretty severe oil leak from the front cylinder bank that's leaking onto your catalytic converter causing the smoke.
Without removing the engine cover to get a better look, I would say there is a good chance your valve cover gasket is leaking engine oil onto the catalytic converter, which is burning off and smoking or someone spilled oil onto it during an oil change (done that on accident before).
Judging by the oil residue and the "dirt" stuck to it, I would say it has been a slow leak for a bit. If you can take some photos with the cover removed we may be able to get a better idea of whats going on. You can also clean the area (with the car off and cooled off) and run it and check it periodically to see if any fresh oil is leaking and from where. There really isn't that much above where the cat bolts on that can leak engine oil.
I have a 2007 Acura TL Base model, about 120k miles on it. Noticed last week at a red light that smoke was coming from under the hood. Stopped and checked under the hood and it seemed to be what looked like a probe (with wires on one end, see picture) into the engine block. Sorry for the total newbie description but I was hoping someone could tell me what this part (probe) is. It has oil residue around it which was probably causing the smoke. I know I have a minor transmission fluid. Could it be related, maybe the leak got worse? Any help is greatly appreciated!!
First, the wise assed answer...
Dude, stop driving the car immediately, Acura put the smoke in the engine at the factory, and when the smoke comes out, the car is done; have it repaired before you drive it again to avoid the loss of any more smoke.
Originally Posted by jnhegde
Thanks very much for the prompt response thoiboi. Could this leak be a transmission fluid leak or a different (new) leak? I’m just wondering if this is an old problem that got worse or a new one. Thanks again
Based upon the location of the picture you showed, there is a zero percent chance the smoke is from a transmission leak; most likely a valve/cam cover leak.
clean it off with brake cleaner and see if it reappears after a few drives. Be sure to get all residue of the oil off with the brake cleaner. Leaving oil on the catalyst is a prime way for an engine fire to start!
