I noticed today when I took of my oil cap that some smoke was coming out.

Doesn't seem good......

Any ideas what this means?


I just replaced a new 'regular' thermostat with a new Toyota thermostat, because after originally replacing it was actually getting hotter with the 'regular' one.



1990 3.0

 

plugged pcv or breather passage?

 

Hmm, I hope.

To be honest, not too sure where the pcv is located. Assuming a breather passage are the hoses coming off of the intake?



I'm just freaking scared that it's a head gasket issue or something stupid.

 

How can I check the breathers and pcv valve?

 

How much smoke? Seems like it's normal, especially if you're operating it at higher temperatures for extended periods of time...

 

The pvc is on the rear of the valve cover and has a 1/4-1/2 hose conneted to it , there are two fat hose's on the top of the cover one in front and the one in the rear coming off the intake pop the rear hose off and you can pull the pcv out of the cover shake it if there is no noise like a marble moving inside replace it.

 

Okay, thanks! I'm gonna check about the pvc!

And not too much smoke... But when I noticed I wasn't driving a long distance at all... Probably like 2.5 miles.

 

Honestly, unless it's like plumes of smoke coming out of the hole, I'd say it's completely normal. My 22RE does it, and has ever since I've owned it. (11 years now.)

 

Its probably normal.
Crank case gases are recirculated to the top of the engine to be reintroduced into the engine to be burned again. Some may not get out through the PCV valve (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) and/or it could just be dirty air, or steam.

 

you should check your oil level. i've had customers come in that had the same problem and end up being like 1-4 qts low

 

Thanks for the responses guys! I'm gonna keep an eye on it.

I heard somewhere that the PCV valve should be replaced every other oil change. Anyone else do this?

99SR5: Yeah, my oil level was low! It was almost 1qt low, and that's why I opened it, to add more.

I usually have to add about 1 qt in between oil changes to keep it full.