So today it was kinda hot about 25c i was driving my car and I felt a strange smell as if plastic was burning. However the car still drove fine no problems and actually performed better than usual. Temp gauge stayed below the middle. No problems. When I would get out of the car I felt heat coming from underneath the car. I looked around and there was no fire or any signs of plastic bags or anything touching or burning. Car still working perfect. So I drive a little longer and go to the gas station (I was low on fuel - not a symptom) I popped the hood and looked around. No signs of burning plastics or anything but there was a bit of smoke coming out of the side of the engine closer to the Back of the engine bay no signs of anything. I got home finally and let the car sit for about 2-3 hours. I had to go to the gym on the way there and back car felt good no problems and there was no smoke. Should I be worried?

 

sounds to me like oil is seeping out of the rear valve cover and dripping on your exhaust.check for leaks

 

Sounds like your rear valve cover is just leaking. It's common. And better yet, an easy fix.

 

Agreed^^^^^

 

That's a good guess, and a common problem on the OEM rear VC.

As to being an "easy fix"... that's relative to the OP's willingness to remove the UIM for access, with all that entails. As well as owning the proper tools, like torque wrenches for the UIM and VC. A shop would probably want 1-3 labor hours for that job.

Also, OP... the 2004 valve cover is about 1/3 the cost of the 2002-2003 version, as well as being a perfect fit with improved design so it doesn't leak again in the future.

 

Very true. Easy is all relative to the person performing the task. Availability of the proper equipment, time, experience, etc. all come into play in this situation.

 

Is it a pretty straight forward diy? Would I need other gaskets?

 

The hardest part about the job if your intake manifold has never been removed before is removing the brackets that hold down the IM.

The gasket for the upper intake manifold can be re used in most cases, but if you're real **** about it just get a new one.

The job is pretty straight forward though if you can turn a wrench and have more patience than the average person.

 

http://www.greghome.com/Greg's%20Garage/2002MaxSE/SparkPlugReplacement.htm

Theres the guide... On a scale of 1 -10, its probably a 4 or 5.. Just read the instructions well and take your time, you'll have it done PROPERLY within 2 hours. This guide is foolproof. Save some $ and get a plenum spacer so you can make it worth your while...

 

Looks pretty straight forward. Should I also replace the left valve cover? Use gasket sealer?

 

Since the left (front) VC is extremely accessible, why replace it if it doesn't leak? If it ever does start to leak, you'll know it, and that's when you replace it.

Yes, use gasket sealer in the VC's. And research the proper application of sealer on the lower corners. Also, research the torque specs and bolt sequence.

 

Seriously? That's good news if it's true!

 

 

I had to relearn the idle and reset ecu get rid of the ses light. The procedure was pretty straight forward and fairly easy to do. It was a bit of a pita unplugging the vaccuum hoses but it definitely was a lot easier to put back together than to take apart. I didn't see any cracks or anything to the valve cover (not sure if previous owner had replaced it) because the valve cover looked pretty identical i think the only difference was one of the vacuum plugs was different color. The gasket was a little worn I bent it in different areas and it would always crack. I replaced the valve cover anyway as well as the gasket. Hopefuly no more leaks.

 

Thank you for the info in this thread, I have the same issue with my 2000 Max SE.

I saw that the OP has a 2002, is there anything different for a 2000 Max? I have a pretty good handle on basic mechanics, but I don't have any special tools.

Any information is much appreciated, my leak is pretty bad, and now my power steering pump is leaking too.

Thanks in advance!

**Edit I found a link and a guide here

 

DOZENS OF LEAKS! I think the rear VC has the same type leak as the front, right in the center of the VC cover. SO...I guess no easy way to access just the rear VC bolts without removing the upper parts. The engine is strong at 257k and the trans was rebuilt at 105k. Worth a little investment.