Q: I have a 2014 nissan maxima. It smoking from the exhaust with a blueish gray look. There's no oil leaks on the ground.

asked by on November 24, 2016

There no leaks on the ground. I cleaned both valve covers and drop the oil pan an cleaned it. Thete was alot of gunk in the valve covers an the oil pan on the screen it cleaned them. The car still smokes i checked all the gaskets all are good. What could be my problem. Please help! Motor doesn't run hot an car idals fine.ni knocking in the motor. ??

My car has 74000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hi there. Check the engine oil level and see how low it is. If the oil is a little low, then the oil is burning in the exhaust system. This is caused by the valve guide seals leaking, the rings not seating, or the PCV (positive crankcase valve) not releasing properly causing too much pressure in the crankcase. Check the intake and air filter for any signs of oil. If oil is present in the intake or air filter, the change the PCV. If the air intake is clean, then check the compression on the engine. The first puff of the compression should be half of the max puff. This will tell you that the rings are sealing. If the first puff is very low, then the rings are not sealing properly. You can put in sea foam in the fuel tank and in the engine oil to clean up the rings to seat them. If the puff is half or higher, then the valve guide seals need replaced. If you need further assistance with your engine burning oil, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car dead all of a sudden
If the vehicle cranks but doesn't start the fuel pump could be the issue. A fuel pressure test will deterring if the issue is a pressure problem. Some other things that should be looked at are your theft deterrent system...
I'm smelling antifreeze an seeing a little steam from under the hood
The engine in your Pontiac Grand Prix is known to corrode out at the corners of the intake and head. The leak starts with a gasket and grows to damage the intake and heads. I suggest removing the intake and...
Adjusting the camshaft and crankshaft for the timing chain
I believe the "official" procedure for these M30 engines is to: Leave the tensioner until last Install the chain with the crank and cam sprockets on TDC, and the chain tight on the driver side of the chain Use the...
After Monroe struts installed and multiple alignments, vehicle pulls.
Hi there. When it comes to alignments, check the Caster and Camber to your vehicle. These two angles are pulling angles. Keep in mind, most shops will set the Caster to allow the vehicle to drift to the left to...
Will not shift and stuck in 1st gear.
Hi there. If the battery keeps going dead overnight, then there is a parasitic load applied to the battery. Charge the battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-replacement) to a full charge of 12.6 volts. With the battery installed in the car, remove the negative...
My car stopped accelerating while driving and turned off.. lights and everything else would work but car wouldn't turn on 2002 Acura MDX
Hi there - there are 2 failures in particular that are likely candidates at your mileage level - a failed timing belt (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-timing-belt), and a fuel pump malfunction. If you don't hear the fuel pump run for a few seconds...
Hi i have a 2005 ford explorer. My truck doesnt move in drive and only moves in 1st gear and it doesn't reverse.
What you are describing is often a sign of low transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) or a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car's...
Mixing red coolant with green coolant
Hi Justin. Thanks for contacting us today. It's not recommended to mix red and green coolant, as the two different coolant mixtures have different maximum heat 'boiling points'. As coolant heats up, it expands. If it's not properly mixed with...

Related articles

How Long Does an Exhaust Manifold Last?
You've You've probably heard of the exhaust manifold before, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're clear on what it does. In fact this system is very important in the operation of your vehicle. It connects the cylinder head to your...
How To Replace An Exhaust Manifold Gasket
Exhaust manifold gaskets seal gaps to keep exhaust fumes out of the emissions system, as well as reduce engine noise and improve fuel efficiency.
3 Reasons Your Car Smells like Rotten Eggs
A sulfuric or rotten eggs smell indicates an excess of byproducts left over from failed combustion. Removing the smell requires part replacement.