So after getting my 4 runner (3vze) back together and starting, it seems to be burning some fluid (oil I beleive) after 2-3 minutes of warmup. I used seafoam to clean the intake plenum, so there may have been a little bit left over after putting it back together and I'm pretty sure there was some around the block as well.

I can't really see where exactly the smoke is coming, it seems to be all over the engine. I notice a vaccuum line that I had left out at first which had the same smoke coming out of it that I had seen coming out of the whole engine bay (but mainly around the exhaust).


Here's my question. How long can I run it without doing damage if the problem is potentially severe? I would like to see if it all just burns off, but will a check engine light come on or otherwise if there is an issue. I know if my engine was getting too hot the temp gauge would go up, but is there any way to tell if theres an oil problem?

Have great oil pressure and its idling fine...

 

Seafoam smokes for a while after you throw it in your engine. It would be that.

 

I thought so....but I figured I would only see it coming out of my rear exhaust. At this point, its permeating under the engine somewhere (and through the vaccuum lines)...I wouldn't think I should be seeing it around there.... <--- is this common? But I like your hypothesis....i REALLY hope that I don't have any bigger problems

 

possible exhaust leak, or egr, thus making it smoke under the hood??

 

What colour is the smoke?

 

Difficult to say, as it was almost dark when I finally got to start it. I plan on taking another look in the morning, but it was kind of a blueish/white color.



Can anyone say what I'd be risking by running it for a while to see if it burns off? I only ran it for 5-10 minues before killing it....what if I went 30-40? Anything I should look out for if I did that?

I know this is difficult to diagnose given all the possibilities...... I appreciate all the feedback, THANK YOU!

 

i had a similar problem during the first startup after I completed my head gasket job. turns out it was some oil that had dripped onto the exhaust manifold that was burning off. drive it around the block, bring it into your driveway and leave it on and look for the source of the smoke again. good luck!