veto227

I just installed a new E303 cam into my 1991 notchback. While the top end was apart I also replaced the timing chain and water pump. Needless to say when I got it all put back together and cranked the car it was steaming terriably. I mean not juat a little, it was severe. Any thoughts before I tear it back down.

Color by WEASEL

Check for water in your oil IMMEDIATELY! There are a series of gaskets as you know on the timing cover. If you have a leak, most certainly water would get into the oil. Now that the panic is over and you've checked that, normal steam or smoke from a recently rebuilt engine is normal. Oils, sealers, greasy fingerprints, etc on the hot surfaces tend to burn off during initial start up. Now, if you painted, detailed, etc, then maybe no. Good luck.

veto227

Thanks. Just FYI the enormous amount of steam is coming from the tailpipes. Both of them. Someone local suggested the intake gasket???? Any help is appreciated...

Color by WEASEL

If the car has sat for awhile condensation can accumulate and come out the exhaust in the form of steam. Water can stand in the exhaust pipes and mufflers, even the fuel tank. Check again the oil and any leaking water into the engine will show up in the oil. Or, oil in the water, radiator. In order for water to come from the exhaust as a result of a gasket leak, water it would have to get into the cylinder, where oil is, hence the mixture. If you have no oil in water or visa-versa, run it awhile and it may go away. You may have gotten water in the block or cylinders when you did the rebuild and it is burning off. Again, at the risk of repeating, check oil and water, anfd let it run. When I first got mine running I had it too. It went away withing like an hour, completely, never to return. Good luck!