I drove my 1998 XK8 over to my nephew's house today, a trip of about 10 miles and when I got there and shut off the engine light colored smoke was emerging from the right rear hood area. I opened the hood later and could see nothing amiss. What would cause light smoke from the right rear hood area?
Thank you.

 

This is the 2006+ forum, so maybe one of the mods can move your post to the XK8 section.

But, first thing that comes to mind is a coolant leak. There are some heater hoses on that side so they might be worth an inspection. Also, keep an eye on the coolant level to see of you are losing any.

 

I've moved to the XK8/R section.

 

Coolant leak is a strong possibility, but you should be able to smell the antifreeze. An oil leak from the valve cover on to the exhaust manifold is also possible, but there again the odor should differentiate.

 

I can see the source of the smoke now. There is moisture on the right rear exhaust manifold. By that last bolt. I know these things are ***** Machines but are they supposed to dribble this much?
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/tq0veyg4v...qGFiM7C0c6Lh-a

 

No, mine does not leak. Those days are in the past, like Lucas ignition. You need a valve cover gasket set, and do not overtighten.

 

I just had the valve cover gaskets replaced. What does that mean? I also have a P1396 error code and check engine light on. Temperature and oil pressures gauges look good.

 

P1364 is a Primary Ignition Coil failure. I'm guessing when they changed your gaskets they broke one. (sorry that'll teach me to try to memorize the number before looking it up). RJ below got the right one.

 

P1396 is a VVT valve failure on the left bank. The variable valve timing solenoid is on the front of the left bank just below the cover. Make sure it is plugged in.
As to the leak, determine if it is oil. Often, shops will be unable to torque the lower rear bolt correctly and overtighten, cracking the cover, or leaving it finger tight.
Take it back to the shop and point out the errors. Hopefully, they did not damage the VVT solenoid. I would avoid that shop in the future.

 

The oil and water temperature gauges are almost useless. Use the forum search to get a wealth of information on the subject.

 

RJ, just out of curiosity, did you or anyone look at the tensioners while they had it open??

Wayne

 

I will find out if they checked the tensioners when I take it back in. They did find a chain someone has left in there. That was weird.

 

Only a chain, no sponges or hemostats.

 

It appears you are in need of a good mechanic. That gasket maybe okay if they didn't allow it to slip out of the slot and damage it. But a cracked cover is still a possibility. I don't see how some one could leave a chain in there and not have it get wrapped up in everything and destroy the engine.
Does the garage crew act strange, have dilated pupils?

 

No dilated pupils but they are located next door to the sketchiest bar in town called, The Zoo. It is tempting to go in there while waiting for one's car repair but most patrons are wearing their biker colors. I am going to give the shop a chance to redeem themselves. We'll see how it goes.

 

I replaced the valve cover because it had a hairline crack at the right rear bolt. We also changed the oil to synthetic to get the chk eng light and P1396 to go away which they did for awhile. Both the check eng and P1396 came back so my mechanic went through all the steps in Technical Bulletin 303-08 "DTC P1396 (VVT Solenoid Malfunction - B bank) - Diagnosis and Repair".
He got as far as the "Checking the camshaft position sensor reluctor" but was reluctant to "lightly strike the relcutor lobe"! So he stopped there.
Any suggestions?