2006 Saab 9-3 has white smoke coming from back of engine

Question

I have a 2006 Saab 9-3, V6 that has white smoke with a burning rubber smell, after car runs at 30-40 mph for a few miles.

There are no leaks from under the car or visible signs of leakage from the coolant system.

Answer 1

Given your description it could be a few things.

It could be oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold. You can check around the rear valve cover gasket (next to the firewall) and visually inspect for oil leaks. This could smell like burnt rubber and could also be a source of the white smoke.

Also check the hoses/wires in the rear of the engine to see if they are touching or too close to the engine and are melting. This would smell like burnt rubber and if fluid is leaking could also be a source for the white smoke.

A blown head gasket or crack in the cylinder head would cause white smoke but would be a sweet smell. You may have two separate issues.

Telltale signs of a bad head gasket or cracked cylinder head are:

• White smoke coming from the area around the head gasket or tailpipe
• Loss of coolant with no leaks
• Overheating
• Coolant in the oil making it look like a chocolate milkshake
• Bubbling in the radiator and coolant reservoir

You should check your coolant level (when the engine is cool) to see if you are losing coolant. You should also check your oil to see if it is a light brown color.