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  #1  
Old 11-20-2002, 05:26 PM
Mueller
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Strange Smoke

Hi,

I have a problem with my '72 280SE 4.5 (108). It runs with absolutely no (visible) smoke and I recently comletely readjusted timing and mixture and all that so it is running nicely.

However, whenever it is cold, after driving 4 blocks or so, it suddenly throws huge clouds of white smoke for about a 5 seconds or so. And I really mean huge ... the two cars behind me go blind ...

After this, it is completely over, no more smoke and fine driving. It always happens at the same warm-up temperature, I can already tell the trafic light where it happens when starting from home ...

Has anybody any idea what this could be ???? ... it is really embarrasing

Thanks

Stefan

'72 280SE 4.5 - Herr Mueller

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  #2  
Old 11-20-2002, 06:11 PM
PaulC
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You may want to do a search on this website using the term: transmission modulator
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  #3  
Old 11-20-2002, 06:18 PM
Mueller
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Its not the transmission modulator

Hi Paul,

thanks for the suggestion but this was already checked. Would that explain why there is only a one-time smoke plum?

If so, I might check it again since I did not do it myself

Stefan
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  #4  
Old 11-20-2002, 10:48 PM
PaulC
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While white smoke can be indicative of coolant entering the cylinders, it can also be from burning transmission fluid, thus the thought about a bad diaphragm in the modulator.

You made no mention of rough running or overheating, which steered me away from the engine and towards the transmission. I assume that every bit of the smoke is emanating from the tailpipe and none from under the hood, if so, that would argue against some type of external fluid leak coming in contact with a hot exhaust pipe.

How are fluid levels? Anything low?

Hard to diagnose through a modem...
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  #5  
Old 11-20-2002, 10:52 PM
Gregg Bambo Jr
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I had the same problem when I first purchased my car. I have an automatic transmission and the vacuum operated diaphram was deteriorated causing the vacuum to suck transmission fluid into the intake maniflold. Once the car was warmed up and driven a short distance it used up the pooled fluid and the white smoke disappeard. Replacement cost $19.
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  #6  
Old 11-20-2002, 11:04 PM
PaulC
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Beautiful car, Gregg.
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  #7  
Old 11-21-2002, 04:19 PM
Mueller
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More info

Hi Paul,

even though you are diagnosing through a modem, you seem to have a very good feeling for the problem since some of your new questions "hit the mark". Thanks a lot so far.

1) Actually, engine oil and transmission oil was to low. (I have a transmission leak at the converter gasket which I do not tackle right now since it would make sense to combine it with rebuilding the tranny and this is a rather large sticker ...) I filled it up yesterday and there was no smoke today, but it could be accidental.

However, does your question point at something specific? I can not imagine low fluids generating the smoke ...

2) Sometimes, I have the smoke coming from under the hood as well, but not always. However the majority comes from the exhaust pipes and not from somewhere under the car.

I am curious what you had in mind with the questions ..

Thanks a lot

Stefan
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  #8  
Old 11-21-2002, 04:55 PM
PaulC
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I was just employing some rough deductive reasoning. If the smoke is coming from some type of fluid leak or fluid consumption, then fluid is being lost from the tank/reservoir/sump that holds same.

Your transmission leak plays havoc with this reasoning relative to transmission fluid consumption.
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  #9  
Old 11-22-2002, 04:23 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 854
Sounds like maybe some tranny fluid is dripping onto the exhaust, could it be the pan is leaking?

Or does it come out the pipe?

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Ed
1981 300CD (Benzina)
1968 250 S (Gina) 266,000 miles!
1983 Alfa Romeo GTV6 (Guido)
1976 Jaguar XJS-saved a V-12 from the chevy curse, what a great engine!
1988 Cadillac Eldorado (better car than you might think!)
1988 Yamaha Venture (better than a Wing!)
1977 Suzuki GS750B
1976 Yamaha XS 650 (sold)
1991 Suzuki GSX1100G (Shafty Gixser)
1981 Yamaha VX920RH (Euro "Virago")
Solex Moped
1975 Dodge P/U camper


"Time spent in the company of a cat, a beer, and this forum, is not time wasted!"
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