PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

Lately I've noticed that my Bonneville emits smoke from front-right cylinder, right below the spark plug. Sometimes you can see it coming out of the sides of the hood. It has gotten worse over the past month or two. The car runs perfect and runs relatively cool. It does burn half quart to a quart of oil between oil changes. After you turn the car off you can smell a hot-burning scent. Has anyone experienced this issue? Any suggestions?

02 SSEi
146k miles

Unfortunately, that sounds like a head gasket, based on your description. Has the car ever been overheated?

The thermostat stuck a few months ago...but the engine temp never hit the red-zone. Other than that, not that I know of.
Head Gasket...sounds costly.

thanks

Have you checked the valve cover gaskets? They are probably due, along with the lower intake gaskets.

I have not. I just hooked my OB2 reader up and no codes appeared. Guess I'll take it to my mechanic either Wednesday or Thursday. Say it is the valve cover gaskets...can you give me a ballpark estimate?

One man's ballpark guess (for valve cover gaskets only -- not head gasket): $200 at mechanic (parts+labor), or $80 if you do it yourself (parts+free labor) and shop for a good price on the gasket set (get Felpro at Rock Auto or another online discount source). These are not too hard to do if you have any wrenching ability and a decent socket set. There are instructions here on this board.

Ken_W

Parts are more like $60, probably more like $250 for a shop.

Front cover is easy to get to. It's either a 10mm or a 3/8 (can't remember which one right now). Rear cover is more of a pain due to the lift brackets and alternator.

Ok thanks! I drove my car to work this morning and it didn't smoke at all which means it prob is a bad valve cover gasket/s. I've noticed over the past few months that the smell has gotten worse. I'm going to make an appt with my mechanic. I'll update this post tomorrow. I really appreciate all the advice.

You guys were right on the money. They are going to replace the front valve cover gasket and clean the engine real good. He also said I have a small power steering leak, but nothing major. Parts/Labor/Cleaning = $240.

Just the front cover?

Buy the gaskets yourself. Changing that front gasket litterally takes 5 minutes. Simple Green and a pressure washer at the car wash is what 5 bucks if that?

Are there any members close to where you live that can help out?

I've already told them to go ahead and do the repair. I don't know of any members that live close. I'm far from a mechanic and I'd rather have them do it....

Yeah, just the front. He said the rear cover is hard to get to and would take 3 hours labor. He ordered a set and he said he will give me the rear gasket cover for future purposes.... I know..it seems extremely expensive.

<<<< In New Albany, IN here.... that is like a 30-40 min drive for me...

Hello neighbor! One of my best friends live in New Albany. I work right across the river.