Grey/White Smoke coming from engine

[WaterdownRob]

I drive a 2005 4.0L Explorer sport trac 2wd and recently have noticed grey/white smoke coming from the back of the engine on the passenger side when the engine has been running at higher speeds for an extended period of time (more than 30 mins). I was recently under the truck to do an oil change and didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. I was driving down the highway yesterday when another driver pointed it out to me. Upon stopping I could smell burning and saw a little smoke near the back when I popped the hood, but it stopped smoking/smelling shortly after. What could be causing this?

Thanks
Rob

 

[geosnooker2000]

Just my opinion, and I'm no expert, but look for a leaking valve cover. That would make sense. If you have a clean driveway (no leaks on ground), what might be happening is, the oil will only leak when the oil pump is pumping oil up into the valve covers, the oil leaks out and dibbles down onto the hot engine block and gets burned causing the white/blue smoke. When you turn the engine off, the oil stops getting pumped up into the valve covers... no more oil leak. Until you start the engine again.

Come back and let us know if that's it. I would love to be right for once...

Oh, and welcome to the Forum!!!!

 

[WaterdownRob]

geosnooker - I'd love to tell you that you were right, but I took the truck into my mechanic and he didn't see any oil leaking from anywhere, but did find some transmission fluid leaking from the transmission seal. I think I dodged a bullet with this repair.

rob