cleanslate

Hello ClubLexus Friends,

Looking for advise on what this could be. Last Friday when I got home from work (I'm only 6 miles & 13 minutes away) there was a smell of burnt wires when I parked in the garage. When I popped the hood, white smoke was coming off to the right side of the engine (see link to youtube video I've posted).



Pretty close to where there's a hose that appears all shriveled up. It was a hot day in Los Angeles (probably in the mid-90s) but there's definitely been hotter days. I haven't started the car since then.

I can do minor repairs and want to get a gauge from the experts in here what this could entail and whether is it safe to drive the car to a mechanic or have it towed.

Looking forward to your responses!

Phil

FastFord

That looks like coolant escaped and ran down the block. No big worry. Check coolant levels and monitor.

Japmand

It's probably your alternator (burning electric smell). That shriveled hose is just a cover for the wires (not a hose).

Check the battery voltage, then start the car to see if the voltage goes up while the vehicle is running. If it doesn't - it's most likely your alternator. If so, you will only be able to drive as long as the battery stays above 10 volts or so, after that the car will begin to die, and you will be stranded.

Did your battery warning light come on?

That coolant is something else if you ask me.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...r-smoking.html

gs350swf

Same smell when my alternator went out.

cleanslate

Will that cause a burning wire/electrical smell? The smell was very pronounced and noticeable.

cleanslate

Ok will check the battery voltage. Do you happen to know the where the alternator is located?

I had a friend tell me that it could be the valve gasket, but thought that that won't cause a burning electrical/wire smell. Could it?

cleanslate

Okay, good to know. Did you see any smoke before it went out? I would not have noticed the smoke until the pronounced burning wire/electrical smell lead me to pop open the hood and inspect.

gs350swf

I did not see smoke. I called a tow truck and had it fixed.

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

I think you may have an oil leak at your valve covers. You can pop off the engine cover and drive around without them and when you stop you should be able to see it more clearly of where the smoke is coming from. Video tape it again aswell and we can help you out

cleanslate

Hello Friends,

So it's been about a week since the car has been started. Upon popping the hood open, strong smell burning electrical gone, but when sticking my nose just above the alternator, there's still remnants of the smell.

I took a voltage reading and here they are:

Car off (engine not running): 12.22V
Car on (engine running on idle): 13.67V and fluctuated down to 13.49 and then to 13.62

Drove the car around the block.

Took another reading.

Car off: 12.38V
Car on (engine running on idle): 13.42 - 13.43V

Are these readings conclusive that the alternator is failing or has failed ? Or an imminent failure?

Japmand

Based on those readings - the alternator is actually working. Usually alternators need a bit of rpm ~2000 to be fully engaged (up to those higher 13+ volt areas). Just keep an eye out for the red battery indicator light (and get somewhere quick if you see it come on). Everything else seems to be working fine?

XxGoKoUxX

it's on its way out. Your readings should range between 13.8-14.2.... I definitely do not range between 13.42 and 13.43.

cleanslate

Thanks for all your responses. Now that I have strong lead that it is the alternator.. gonna make for a nice labor day weekend project. Any good resources you guys have pertaining to replacing the alternator?

cleanslate

Going to embark on this today and wanted to know how many of you had to jack up your car to

REMOVE ENGINE UNDER COVER and REMOVE V-RIBBED BELT

This is from the post below:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ml#post8342507