Help!

[SpeedRacerLS]

Ok I have 2 problems, I have a 01 V8 LS, and recently it just started smoking, but it does not do it all the time, just every once in a while and it is coming from the back of the engine on the passenger side, it does not leak any oil and the car does not get hot, it is just somewhat embarrassing when your on a date and you see smoke or smell it, and it is white smoke.

Second issue, i recently was involved in somwhat of a wreck, I was making a turn and I did a 360 and the driver side ended up on top of a curb and the driver side fender hit a pole, well I immediatly took to the body shop and had the fender replaced, but since I have gotten it back, well everytime I hit a bump, the back sways back and forth and when it is raining it feels like the car is driving at angle on the wet road.

 

[RequestingFlyBy]

I can only help you on your first problem. It's the valve covers. Mine did the same thing (it's a 2000). No oil leaking to the ground because it burns off to quickly, that's the smoke and smell. Mine cost $545 at dealer for both sides, if you can do it yourself it's a hell of a lot cheaper. And yes it is embarrassing, I didn't want to take mine anywhere before I had them replaced. Good Luck.

 

[SpeedRacerLS]

I can only help you on your first problem. It's the valve covers. Mine did the same thing (it's a 2000). No oil leaking to the ground because it burns off to quickly, that's the smoke and smell. Mine cost $545 at dealer for both sides, if you can do it yourself it's a hell of a lot cheaper. And yes it is embarrassing, I didn't want to take mine anywhere before I had them replaced. Good Luck.

well when I check the oil level its fine, and does not do it all the time

 

[02LSE96LSC91SE84TC]

well when I check the oil level its fine, and does not do it all the time

A small valve cover leak will make alot of smoke with very little oil lost. Checking the dipstick is always wise if you suspect your losing oil somewhere, but the little amount causing the smoke will be hard to identify on the stick, unless the leak is so bad, but you'd have a smoke screen going. As far as the other thing, it sounds like a alignment issue or you bend something.

 

[jokken]

im not sure about the smoke it could be anti-freeze evaporating from a hose or hose connection or the heater core. does it smell sweet like anitfreeze or like oil/gas?

the second issue I am very familair with I had the same problem and I can still remember the feel of the car "driving at an angle" like you said. this is scary especially in the snow. I think all you need is an alignement. I'll bet the rear alignment is way out. what your tires they will wear quickly and unevenly if you leave it this way

 

[SpeedRacerLS]

Thanks for those who answered, anyone else got something they may think it is?

 

[GWL]

Thanks for those who answered, anyone else got something they may think it is?

I think everything has been just about covered. The accident knocked the rear alignment out (if you are lucky) if not, the accident bent something on the rear suspension. Either way, an alignment check should reveal the problem.

 

[5.7sbc]

Have your rear suspension checked ASAP! You may have bent or broken something important. This could cause a very unsafe driving condition.

 

[SpeedRacerLS]

OK, I am taking the car in tomorrow to have someone look at it, but this morning the sun was shining and I notice that the back driver side wheel looks like it may be bent in a little, I sure hope it is just alignment!

 

[01lssport]

Smashing a wheel up onto the curb will never result in a happy ending. Something is bent or broken, you can bet the farm on that.

 

[ToddG]

Second issue, i recently was involved in somwhat of a wreck, I was making a turn and I did a 360 and the driver side ended up on top of a curb and the driver side fender hit a pole, well I immediatly took to the body shop and had the fender replaced, but since I have gotten it back, well everytime I hit a bump, the back sways back and forth and when it is raining it feels like the car is driving at angle on the wet road.

Man, if you were in a wreck where you did a 380 and hit a curb and a telephone pole, your susp is tweaked guaranteed. Since all the parts are aluminum and are assembled under tight tolerances, you're probably looking at BIG BUX to fix it. I would definitely have it looked at by the dealer. Sorry, man.

 

[SpeedRacerLS]

UPDATE: I took in on Saturday and got the front and back aligned, and they told me that the back drivers side was way off, that the computer did not even see, well they aligned it and it drives just fine! now just gotta figure out where the smoke is coming from

 

[Fla02LS]

UPDATE: I took in on Saturday and got the front and back aligned, and they told me that the back drivers side was way off, that the computer did not even see, well they aligned it and it drives just fine! now just gotta figure out where the smoke is coming from

Isnt that a great feeling. I hit a curb in my wife's Intrepid and the steering wheel ended up at about 9 o'clock to keep the car going straight. I thought for sure stuff was all bent up but it just took an alignment.

 

[GWL]

UPDATE: I took in on Saturday and got the front and back aligned, and they told me that the back drivers side was way off, that the computer did not even see, well they aligned it and it drives just fine! now just gotta figure out where the smoke is coming from

Look like you got LUCKY!!!:dancefool Congratulations!

 

[SoonerLS]

now just gotta figure out where the smoke is coming from

Dollars to donuts still says it's a leaking valve cover gasket; that's a relatively common failing of the '00-'02 LSes (they revised the gasket in '03). If it is, you definitely want it fixed, or it'll eventually ruin the COPs, which is a much more expensive proposition.