So I just replaced my EGR valve and I now have white smoke coming from around that area. I was told I have to have the computer reset b4 it’ll function properly and was curious if anyone could tell me if that could be why it’s smoking or if I need to be concerned of something worse. (No im not driving it until it’s fixed scared it’ll be the end of the engine for me if I do)

 

What year and engine do you have? And when you changed the EGR, did you put a new gasket on?

I am also a bit weirded out by white smoke from the EGR. I have never heard of smoke from an EGR (but I suppose it could be possible). And that smoke would be exhaust and white exhaust smoke is usually a sign of coolant getting into the cylinders.

 

I agree, year + engine would be nice, especially since this is your first post. Not that it really makes a difference, but it does help get an idea what vehicle we're talking about.

The only two places I can think of smoke coming from it: 1- exhaust leaking from the gasket (did you clean the mating surfaces and isntall fresh gasket/s?). Not that exhaust should normally be white, but there should be absolutely 0 exhaust coming out around the valve. 2 - the electronics inside are bad / they're burning up when voltage is applied. You wouldn't think there would be much smoke though on 12v / small gauge wiring.

What happens if you unplug it and start it - that would seem to eliminate #2 as a possibility if the connector isn't even attached to it.

 

Sorry about that guys i definitely should have told yall it was a 02 3.8L. Also new update, I had a friend come take a look at it for me and he said it could be the valve cover leaking directly below the EGR giving it the appearance of it being the EGR. I’m not car savvy at all but in 30 years of being alive this is the first time I’ve ever had to change or even heard of an EGR valve before. And yes I cleaned the area and installed a new gasket with the EGR.

 

Any way you can get us a video? Around the entire area if possible. Valve cover gaskets are concerning as there is a recall on those. They leak onto the exhaust manifold and start on fire. If that is the case, you can get it fixed for free. With the cars being so old, its going to be a hassle getting someone to do that work but just be persistent.

However, if the smoke started immediately after the EGR job, I would suspect something there. Either way, its really important to find the exact cause here.

EDIT: What color are you valve covers? Black or beige?

 

It’s started after the swap of the EGR, and during my research of my issue I did see that the valve covers had a recall on them, I went thru all the service records I could find on the car and as far as I could tell it never had that issue fixed but it has black valve covers not beige. As far as getting a video that won’t be possible atm as my camera is broken on my phone. I did decide to be a bit brave today tho and let it idle for about 5 minutes or so after I had the computer reset and it did quit smoking and now idles around 1100rpm(was around850) This car has me so confused right now.

 

Black valve covers mean the recall has been taken care of. That doesnt mean the gaskets cant fail again though.

Its also possible that all the oil could have burnt off and will not leak again until you hit higher RPM. By that time, it can be so hot that even a small drop can start an instant fire. Just saying, dont think its not leaking just because the smoke stopped.

Ok so, after all that, I still would think its something to do with the EGR because of the inconsistent idle.

Check for vacuum leaks around the area you worked in. My method (thats not recommended) is to blow an unlit propane torch around the area and listen for the idle to change. That would confirm a vac leak. There are safer ways to check for the leaks though, like smoke.

Other than this, we would have to see a video or pics to examine the area.

 

Thank you guys for the help, turns out it’s the rear valve cover gasket that’s failed, has a slight leak. They definitely could have made it easier to get them off tho. Since I don’t have the means to do it myself had a shop quote me today. If I buy all the parts they said it’d be about $450 in labor to do it. Would that be considered a fair price to yall??

 

Well, someone I know with an LS4 just paid $600 to have both done. Its close to the same amount of work if I remember correctly. Sounds reasonable but I cant say for sure. The parts cost practically nothing.

On second thought, I dont know. Maybe sounds a little high. I would get a second opinion.

Honestly though, its a pretty easy job. I think all you need is a socket set and torque wrench. Its worth considering. Youll save literally hundreds of dollars and have the tools you need for the next job. Plus, fixing your own car is rewarding on its own. Youll be less intimidated next time.

 

You’d think it’d be simple but after seeing I need to remove fuel rail alternator motor mounts and more it’s definitely not something I could do my self. I will definitely get other’s opinions on the cost tho. Parts are relatively cheap, it’s only gonna cost me around $120.