This has me a tad worried - P0021+smoke

*Stormzusmc* · 10-04-2009, 11:47 AM

Last year, my car would go up to red on the heat gauge, when I turned on the heat and rolled the windows down, and kept at a high speed then it would be fine. So I did a fluid flush and burped the lines, hasn't done it since.... I hadn't really noticed anything as far as smoke goes, however recently I noticed that when I start the car, and give it a quick 2k RPM rev, I have quite a bit of "thin" white smoke coming out with a gasoline smell, but this could just be condensation. Because I noticed after it runs for a bit, it goes away, however this is quite a bit more then normal. I may just be jumping to conclusion, however Id like to play it safe as I'm sure you all can understand.

So that has been going on for a bit. Kept an eye on coolant oil etc...and noticed my oil was pretty low one day with no leaking present and that same day I throw the P0021 code. I did an oil change and looked again for the smoke.My buddy thought he could see dark smoke instead, but I couldn't confirm that when he was at the helm.

About the code -
P0021 - IVT Control (Bank 2)

I have changed the oil as it was a little under (was only 2k after oil change), and reset the ECU, it still comes back. It could be other things however...

Harness or connectors (Intake valve timing control solenoid valve circuit is open or shorted.)
Intake valve timing control solenoid valve may be faulty
Crankshaft position sensor (POS) may be faulty
Camshaft position sensor (PHASE) may be faulty
Accumulation of debris to the signal pick-up portion of the camshaft

Any thoughts on how to narrow it down? Could this other "issue" be related? I might just bite the bullet and have the dealer diagnose it though...

*Lontar1* · 10-04-2009, 12:36 PM

with all those, either take it to he dealer for a a good mechanic

*maximase86* · 10-04-2009, 01:44 PM

If the vapor doesn't have a sort of sweet smell, then likely it's not a head gasket problem. Plus usually there are other warning signs that might indicate that (oil looks like milk shake, or oil in coolant). A pressure test on the coolant system can give you a definitive answer.

However, your smoking issue is probably nothing to worry about judging from your description. It's just the car running rich while in open loop which would be normal.

Your list of items are a good start. You should go through each one, test and verify operation (I assume you have a copy of the FSM that can show you what to test for).

S

jasonmax · 10-04-2009, 02:35 PM

water vapor is normal when warming up, and the gas smell is becasue your cat is cold.
a head gasket you could check for coolant level see if it goes down.

as for the codes, clear them and see if they come back.

*Stormzusmc* · 10-04-2009, 08:09 PM

Bleh was to lazy to check things out today, but its running damn good...performace wise

*Stormzusmc* · 10-14-2009, 07:11 PM

Ok so now its under hard accel and I have black "carbon" stuff on my whole rear end.....

Staticxout2 · 10-14-2009, 07:51 PM

i had black carbon stuff all over my bumper then i got a reflash from technosquare because i knew i was running to rich after the the headers and what not.

*Stormzusmc* · 10-14-2009, 09:13 PM

Yeah I need to get a tune really badly...but I'm just hoping it's nothing real bad....

*Stormzusmc* · 10-18-2009, 02:13 PM

Yeah well turns out it is really bad, the smoke got worse, and its more excessive and blueish hue to it now...great

6SPD02SE · 10-18-2009, 03:19 PM

Well first and foremost, revving a cold engine right after startup is never a good idea. This actually could be part of your issue if you do it alot. Very good way to pop a head gasket, crack a head or burn up a cylinder or rings. The oil is not fully circulated throughout the engine and revving it will make it warm up too fast. Not saying this is the cause but its possible.

*JNCoRacer* · 10-18-2009, 03:25 PM

Have you checked the plugs to see if they have oil on them? It could be something as simple as a guide tube seal leaking.

*Stormzusmc* · 10-18-2009, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6SPD02SE

Well first and foremost, revving a cold engine right after startup is never a good idea. This actually could be part of your issue if you do it alot. Very good way to pop a head gasket, crack a head or burn up a cylinder or rings. The oil is not fully circulated throughout the engine and revving it will make it warm up too fast. Not saying this is the cause but its possible.

Yeah its not something I do on a daily or regular basis....

Quote:

Originally Posted by JNCoRacer

Have you checked the plugs to see if they have oil on them? It could be something as simple as a guide tube seal leaking.

I have not yet, left the car at my buddies house until I can do something futher...

*Stormzusmc* · 10-26-2009, 12:01 PM

It couldn't be a seal where the coils are I don't think...Correct me if I'm wrong though. I did have one of those seals go bad and I replaced a valve cover at the same time.

Maxima has been sitting for a week now while I figure out what to flippin do.

*Stormzusmc* · 11-05-2009, 10:24 PM

getting new engine most likely dont wanna mess around any more

leaks to much oil, has a ton of smoke...as i said its parked now until i can find an engine...dont feel like rebuilding it until its out, then ill rebuild and sell it