4wd and engine bay smoke

[Wheelbarrow]

I have a 1991 loyale wagon 4wd ea82. I have been browsing this forum for a while and it has helped me troubleshoot and fix many issues on my wagon. Just when I think I have the ol girl in tip top shape this happens.

 

After I use the push button 4wd and park/ get out of the car there is noticeable smoke coming out of the engine bay. It looks like there is some fluid dripping onto the exhaust. It does not smoke in fwd. why would it only smoke after 4wd?

 

This is the first time I have not been able to find an answer in previous posts. Thank you in advance for your help.

[l75eya]

Bump.

I personally have no idea. It doesn't make much sense to me and unless somebody else has had the exact same thing happen, chances are nobody else is going to either. You're going to have to try and investigate this a bit.

What exactly kind of fluid is it that's leaking? Does it puddle under the car? What color is it? Does it smell like anything? Is it oily?

From what I know, the button you're pressing simply engages some type of vacuum system that moves a rod on the transmission. 

.....can't see how that could lead to any leaks, unless there's some type of seal at that part that begins leaking when in a certain position.

Gotta get more details on here!

[mudduck]

You have a leak somewhere. My 91 does the same thing. It don't smoke all the time, just every now and then. I figured it's oil pooling up in spots, then blowing back onto the exhaust once enough oil accumulates on the crossmember. 

[MR_Loyale]

My Loyale did the same thing. It was a head gasket where the oil leaked but it never got hot. Do this:

 

1) Get a UV Dye Kit for detecting engine oil leaks.

2) Wash and degrease your engine.

3) Add UV dye.

4) Drive spiritedly for about 100 miles or so.

5) Crawl under the vehicle (night is bet for easy contrast) shine UV light to see the leaks.

 

Check out this thread:

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/146305-oil-leaks-smoke-uv-dye-oh-my/

[Wheelbarrow]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I replaces the HGs less than 6k ago following the popular method on this forum. I have been checking them almost once a week since then because it was the first time I've done anything like that to a car. The HGs and all the front ende seals are new.

Getting under the car I did notice that the oil pan gasket is " weeping" a little oil. I didn't replace it with the other seals because I don't have the ability to pull the motor.

I'll keep investigating. I'm beginning to think it only smokes when I use 4wd because I'm going up steep enough of a hill for the residual oil to flow back to the exhaust.

It doesn't leave any oil on the ground when I park.

 

Thanks