Smoke!!!

[TnDisco]

I just replaced both upstream O2 sensors on my DII, initally because of a P0150 code indicating a bad Bank B senor. No more problems there, but within 20 miles I got a P0130 code indicating a possibly malfunctioning Bank A senosr. Luckily I bought two sensors so I immediately replaced the upstream Bank A sensor. Now, 800 miles later, the Bank A upstream is again throwing code P0130 which is most likely a bad sensor or bad connection. I opened the hood this AM to check it out and noticed wisps of white smoke rising up from near the upstream sensor/catalytic converter area.

I'm not loosing coolant, and there was no coolant or oil smell. I'm wonder if I may have a leaking transmission cooler line and this is what's "smoking", and perhaps mucking with a brand new O2 sensor?

Thanks,

Mark

[BlueLion]

Did you cross thread it or did you by chance forget to hook something back up or did you disconnect something by accident. double check yourself. This should not be happending.

[TnDisco]

Thanks BL, but I double checked everything. It turns out that I "do" have a coolant leak; from the head gasket right above the Bank A sensor! Looks like its time to prepare for replacing the head gaskets!!!

[BlueLion]

Man, I am sorry to hear that. I hope it is not too expensive.

[TnDisco]

Thanks. Parts, gaskets and bolts, will run me about $200 from Atlantic British. I'm going to do the work myself as I understand typical dealer cost for the job is around $2200!

[Disco Mike]

Originally Posted by TnDisco

Thanks. Parts, gaskets and bolts, will run me about $200 from Atlantic British. I'm going to do the work myself as I understand typical dealer cost for the job is around $2200!

Just curious as to how many miles on your truck? Did you ever track down what took out your originial O2's? Sounds like you have a problem still if you are coding again. Coolant dripping down onto the new O2's shouldn't cause you a problem.
Good luck on your head gasket job, I need to do mine soon, mine are leaking off the front corners.
Mike

[TnDisco]

Hi Mike,

First, allow me to say "thank you" for all the knowledge you've shared on this site. It's been quite valuable to me during the year and a half I've owned my DII.

She's got 114,000 miles on her. I've had her since 74,000 and I've no idea if the O2 sensors had ever been replaced before I got her. I put the new O2 sensor on this morning and cleaned the throttle body and gave her a Seafoam induction treatment while I had the hood up. So far so good. I did the unthinkable and threw a bottle of Bar's Leak into the coolant on Tuesday and it seems to have sealed up the head gasket leak acceptably well. I don't intend it as a permanent fix, just hoping to hold it together until I get the parts in to replace the gaskets.

I figure it's about time for the 120,000 service, so I plan on new fluids everywhere, replacing the gaskets and all the hoses, new plug wires and plugs, and generally a good spring cleaning and checkup. I figure all the parts will run me nearly a $1000 so I'm doing all the work myself. I hadn't planned on having the heads machined, nor doing anything to the valves. Am I being foolhardy in that respect?

Mark

[Disco Mike]

Mark,
Sounds like a great idea to do it yourself and save some money. Are you planning to do the head gaskets also? If so, make sure you have the heads inspected and at least resurfaced.
Let me know if I can be of any help.
Mike

[TnDisco]

Yep Mike, I'm going to tackle the head gaskets myself as well. Any specific suggestions I should follow for insuring the heads are inspected and resurfaced properly? That's something I hadn't thought of, I was just going to replace the gaskets.

Thanks again,

Mark

[Disco Mike]

Originally Posted by TnDisco

Yep Mike, I'm going to tackle the head gaskets myself as well. Any specific suggestions I should follow for insuring the heads are inspected and resurfaced properly? That's something I hadn't thought of, I was just going to replace the gaskets.

Thanks again,

Mark

With 114,000 miles on her, I would do an engine flush before you tear the engine down, get rid of alot of sludge. You need to send the heads out to a good machine shop, have them inspected for warpage, cracks and burned valves. You may find it worth the extra money to have a valve job done while it is apart.
When reinstalling the heads, spray both sides of the head gasket with that copper spray to insure no more head gasket leakage for a long time.
While you are into the engine, do yourself a favor and pull the oil pan, inspect for unusual amounts of meatl other other material, clean the oil pick up tube and put her back together.
Hope this helps,
Mike