Change CCV (Crank Case Valve)? 2005 x5 4.4

duckseatfree · #1 03-26-2012, 02:28 PM

Ok, I've done a lot of reading and think I have a good understanding of what is going on but just want somone to reassure my diagnosis?

I recently noticed white smoke (I think it's white) coming out of my tailpipes. I was at a light, hit the gas (not redline hard, but a good bit) and saw some smoke coming from the back of my X5 (2005 4.4).

I pulled into a parking lot and had my girlfriend rev the engine while it was in park. Everytime she rev'ed it smoked. It doesn't smoke at "normal drive" but only when I'm accelerating "hard".

- I checked the oil through the dipstick and it is not "milky" at all.

- No oil dripping anywhere.

- I just noticed it today, but have not seen a drop in oil levels. (I changed the oil about 2 weeks ago...levels seemed normal)

- It has not overheated on me at all and it drives perfectly

It seems like everything is pointing towards replacing the CCV? I'm going to check the spark plugs this afternoon but wanted to see what your opinions were.

Any thoughts?

Sponsored Links

duckseatfree · #2 03-26-2012, 06:01 PM

Also, I wanted to add..it's not a ton of smoke, not "billowing out"

Checked the coolant level...pretty much full and I haven't added any since december.

Anyone?

albarran9 · #3 03-26-2012, 08:24 PM

It depends on how cold it was. Its normal for cars to produce more exhaust when its cold outside and the accelerator is pressed firmly like when you are taking off. The engine works more when this happens and thus produces more condensation because the exhaust is hotter. The smoke is usually white though. When it's oil, then it would produce a bluish black smoke cloud and it would do it even at a stop light if it was your CCV. I've had my CCV go out on my E43 and it was a cloud of black smoke even when the car was at idle. I'd take a look under your car and inspect the oil filter housing gasket and oil pan gasket for leaks. Aslo look around your Valve cover to check the valve cover gasket for leaks and make sure your oil filter cap is on tight. A good way to find out what's going on in your cylinders is to check your spark plugs. If they have been consuming oil it will show.

bagpype · #4 03-26-2012, 10:14 PM

Ive had a similiar issue on my 06 4.4. I replaced the ccv valves but still have a little smoke sometimes. The problem is the gunked up valve covers that causes the oil to get sucked back into the engine. My next step is going to be an engine flush. I have this thread bookmarked, it should be usefull to you as well.
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ling-time.html

duckseatfree · #5 03-27-2012, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by albarran9

It depends on how cold it was. Its normal for cars to produce more exhaust when its cold outside and the accelerator is pressed firmly like when you are taking off.

I live in Charlotte, NC. It was a beautiful 78 yesterday...still saw some smoke

Quote:

Originally Posted by albarran9

When it's oil, then it would produce a bluish black smoke cloud and it would do it even at a stop light if it was your CCV.

OK, so I'm guessing this isn't it. The smoke is white and only when I accelerate...not all the time (e.i. at idle). I'll look at the valve covers, gaskets, ect. like you suggested.

If that doesn't work, I might try an engine flush per BAGPYPE's suggestion.

Thanks!

bagpype · #6 03-27-2012, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duckseatfree

I live in Charlotte, NC. It was a beautiful 78 yesterday...still saw some smoke

OK, so I'm guessing this isn't it. The smoke is white and only when I accelerate...not all the time (e.i. at idle). I'll look at the valve covers, gaskets, ect. like you suggested.

If that doesn't work, I might try an engine flush per BAGPYPE's suggestion.

Thanks!

You probably are driving short distances a lot of time??
Read the post that i linked to in my last reply. Pay close attention to what "jbond007" says in his replies. Thats the post i read to figure out what to do to remedy the smoke situtation. My smoke was white, greyish and my ccvs had lots of gunk in them. When i replaced them ( which literally took me a whole 10 minutes) the majority of the smoke went away. I noticed smoke once more but at a much smaller quantity and duration. Again, my valve covers had visible sludge under the ccv valves so my next step is what "jbond007" did to his X, an engine flush and sludge removal additive in the oil.