I'm clueless...engine "trouble"

[mjhill]

I was driving to work today, and noticed going down the hill I had a trail of smoke behind me. At first I thought nothing of it, as my dear little car has done things like this before. I get stopped at a light in the next town, and notice much more smoke coming out of the engine compartment. Again, I kinda brushed it off a little, because it tends to leak a little oil here and there. About 3/10 of a mile down, I pull off and into the parking lot of the local doctor's offices. Turn it off, pop the hood, notice a LOT of smoke. More than usual for just a little oil burn.

I proceed to look around, checked the oil, it was low (something I had expected). I also traced the source of the smoke, and after a minute, found a hose had come off. Problem is, this hose is on the back end (near the firewall) of the engine block. The whole fitting (metal) is sort of a rounded diamond shape, that seems to be (rather, supposed to be) bolted directly to the engine.

I have a 1985.5 944. I don't know what this hose is, I noticed that, I suppose it's a gasket, was coated with a little oil. I haven't driven it since I pulled it off into the lot.

I'm wondering what it is, and what kind of work goes into fixing it. Whether or not it's something that could be done by two people, or I'd have to take it to a mechanic (by way of flatbed). And if I do have to take it to the mechanic, what kind of costs I should expect.

[Techno Duck]

You need to be more specific as to where it is. Pictures are always a plus.

[SoCal Driver]

Don't think that was smoke. More than likely steam from a ruptured car heater core return hose. Could have fried the engine.

[mjhill]

Given the time of night, and the fact it's currently 7 miles away, that's a little difficult.

If you follow the head cover from the front of the engine, all the way back, and then go down onto the site of the block, about 6" perhaps. I'd say it's almost next to the heater control valve (I hope I'm right).

I'm thinking it may have to do with the coolant delivery, as despite the reduced oil, pressure remained pretty normal.

[mjhill]

Originally posted by SoCal Driver
Don't think that was smoke. More than likely steam from a ruptured car heater core return hose. Could have fried the engine.

*sigh* Somehow I'm guessing I'll be getting a flatbed to bring it home and put it into the garage.

I'd also say that the actual diameter of the hose (note, given the positioning, I can't see the actual host) would probably be about 1.5"...maybe 2"

[SoCal Driver]

Your description of the fitting on the engine is for the return hose from the heater core.

[Razorback1980]

Did it smell like burning oil? I'm with SoCal as I can't think of any hoses back there that have oil in them. The only thing that has oil is the plate on the back of the cam tower and when it leaks it drips on the headers. If that is the case, then do not drive it, tow it home as it's a fire waiting to happen. But if it's coming from a hose, you have leaking coolant as stated.

[mjhill]

I'll post pictures when I get them, but my father looked at it. He saw it as plate being held on by three bolts, really a cover.

[mjhill]

I have pictures now:

http://ls.mysticsoftware.net/images/mjhill/P1010069.JPG

http://ls.mysticsoftware.net/images/mjhill/P1010070.JPG

[ERAU944]

ah yes, the infamous leaky cam housing end cover gasket - the $3 part that causes many a freaked-out owner.

order one from our host here, clean up the mating surfaces, replace, and enjoy the drive!

[callmethewander]

and don't get any oil on your mother's upholstery !

[mjhill]

What part number am I be looking for?

Considering what's listed here, and the associated pictures.

[SoCal Driver]

Where is the 1" diameter hose you said connected to it?

[mjhill]

There is none, apparently. I'll admit it was a cursory examination. I tend to make some assumptions that may be...inaccurate. For that I apologize. But I thank you all for your help, though given the time frame of the situation (the fact that it's in a private parking lot owned by a medical facility) my father had to make one out of a gasket sheet.

[callmethewander]

father knows best

[mjhill]

That was a suggestion based on the immediate availability in the auto parts stores around here.

[callmethewander]

like i said...

[mjhill]

Well, we did the work, though 4 bolt holes on the cover, and only 3 going in confused us a little... We're gonna give it some local trips over the weekend to make sure nothings leaking before I use it to go back and forth to school again.