Thread: Smoke test help for 3800 series 2 engine running lean, HELP PLEASE

Results 1 to 6 of 6

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1 Smoke test help for 3800 series 2 engine running lean, HELP PLEASE 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    May 2025
    Location
    MI
    Posts
    4
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    I've googled,youtubed and searched EVERYWHERE! I cannot find a vid or pic of WHERE to put the hose w the smoke into my 3800 series 2 engine to run a smoke test. I am NOT a DIYer and i am NOT engine savvy. With that in mind here is my problem.. i have been running lean since January and cant figure out whats wrong but i know it's a oxygen leak. I have the tools to do a smoke test but have NO IDEA where to put the tube the smoke comes out of into my engine to make sure it goes all the way thru the system to tell me where if any there is a oxygen leak. So here is a pic i found on google images w yellow and red writing on it so PLEASE ignore that i circled in blue where i want to hook up the smoke tester too and have learned this is called the throttle body? If i run a smoke test thru this spot will it hit the entireeeee system? If not could someone PLEASSSEEEEE circle in blue whereeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee EXACTLY to put the ****ing hose into. I am not good at stuff w out indepth pictures vids or explanations thus why i am posting here and now. PLEASE HELP ME!

    I have replaced my MAF,MAP,Fuel Pressure regulator,main oxygen sensor on back of engine, and fuel pump. Nothing has fixed or helped.

    I literally just need someone to say hey hook up the smoke machine to this spot and show me exactly where thisss spot it so pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee help me if u can please!!!!!!!!!!!!

    My car is 2001 grand prix 2dr. If theres isn't a random air leak in the system then it's either my EGR Valve,Charcoal canister or its components or my fuel filter.

    Thanks!
    Smoke test help for 3800 series 2 engine running lean, HELP PLEASE Attached Images
    Reply With Quote  
     

  2. #2 Re: Smoke test help for 3800 series 2 engine running lean, HELP PLEASE 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    May 2025
    Location
    MI
    Posts
    4
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    So nobody on here knows where to insert smoke test tube into engine to run a smoke test on here? Seriously? Maybe i posted in the wrong place?
    Reply With Quote  
     

  3. #3 Re: Smoke test help for 3800 series 2 engine running lean, HELP PLEASE 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    May 2025
    Location
    MI
    Posts
    4
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    could someone please move this to the general grand prix discussion?
    Reply With Quote  
     

  4. #4 Re: Smoke test help for 3800 series 2 engine running lean, HELP PLEASE 
    GrandPrix Junkie
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    St. Louis
    Posts
    4,821
    Thanks (Received)
    18
    Likes (Received)
    76
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    You could hook it up there, that nipple is behind the throttle body blade so it would fill the entire upper intake and so on.

    If you post the check engine code(s) we may be able to lead you in a better direction. FYI, that copper colored accordian pipe from the intake to the EGR valve loves to crack in hidden places and cause issues. Vacuum leaks can be a pain to track down sometimes, especially if you're not super familiar with where to start looking.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  5. #5 Re: Smoke test help for 3800 series 2 engine running lean, HELP PLEASE 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    May 2025
    Location
    MI
    Posts
    4
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by FordMan77 View Post
    You could hook it up there, that nipple is behind the throttle body blade so it would fill the entire upper intake and so on.

    If you post the check engine code(s) we may be able to lead you in a better direction. FYI, that copper colored accordian pipe from the intake to the EGR valve loves to crack in hidden places and cause issues. Vacuum leaks can be a pain to track down sometimes, especially if you're not super familiar with where to start looking.
    codes i have...

    p0107
    p0125
    p0128
    p0302
    p0336
    p0420
    p0442
    p0751
    p0757
    p1404 this says next to it "Closed Position performance"
    p1811

    i have no cat convert and am straight piped. My thermostat still works just fine.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  6. #6 Re: Smoke test help for 3800 series 2 engine running lean, HELP PLEASE 
    GrandPrix Junkie
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    St. Louis
    Posts
    4,821
    Thanks (Received)
    18
    Likes (Received)
    76
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Ok, let's sort through these.

    p0107-click the link--> P0107

    p0125- Check the connection to your coolant temp sensor. Replace sensor if wiring is good. temp sensor is under the t stat housing, bottom of the lim

    p0128- related to P0125

    p0302- misfire on cyl 2- check the plug wire.



    p0336- crankshaft position sensor- check the wiring harness that goes down to it. Sometimes it can get chaffed and cause issues.


    p0420- Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)this is likely due to no catalytic converter on it

    p0442- Small EVAP leak- clean the seal on your fuel tank filler neck where the cap goes, and clean the cap seal. If it persists, replace the gas cap.

    p0751- there's a malfunction with the shift solenoid “A” shift circuit. Most commonly, this is because of low transmission fluid, dirty transmission fluid, or a clogged transmission filter. If changing the flud/filter and properly filling the transmission does not solve it then you would have to likely replace the solenoid.

    p0757- This transmission code usually points to needing a rebuild, but here is some additional info on it:

    GM had a TSB on this a few years ago and basically said to pull the valve body and clean it but that wasnt a guaranteed fix either and was just what the bulletin said to do unless there were damaged or severly worn or scratched valves which I doubt.

    A stuck 2-3 shift valve will cause this but something caused the valve to stick and that something had to come from somewhere inside. A small amount of debris in the trans is common to see but for there to be enough to make a shift valve become stuck it would cause other valves to have issues before as the shift valves have pretty stout springs on them and Im not sure I have ever seen one stuck in these transmissions. Does the car feel like it is starting in the wrong gear? Does it shift through all of the gears? Is it worse hot or cold? If you clear the code will it come right back-if the trans is acting up all the time it should.

    p1404 this says next to it "Closed Position performance"- EGR valve issue- I would remove just the EGR valve and clean it as bet you can (search the web for good how to's) and then do the following relearn procedure on it:

    the pintle position must be relearned either via tech 2, or the following: (this goes for attempts at re-learning with the old, and learning new, if it's replaced)

    disconnect EGR valve plug.
    with key on, clear SES light/code.
    immediately turn off key, so code does not reset.
    plug in EGR valve plug.
    turn on key.

    p1811- max adapt/long shift- another tran code further pointing to the possibility of a rebuild:

    click the link--> P1811 max adapt, long shift
    Reply With Quote  
     

Similar Threads

  1. How to tell the difference between a 3800 Series II and Series III engine/ L67 vs L32
    By DoUEvenShift NoBroItsAuto in forum Introductions/Noob Questions
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 03-14-2014, 01:12 AM
  2. l67 engine wont stay running..got the car running. tons of white smoke from exhast
    By Doug 97 gtp in forum 3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67)(L32)
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 06-17-2013, 05:14 PM
  3. 3800 supercharged engine white smoke
    By boostman in forum 3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67)(L32)
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 07-19-2011, 10:04 AM
  4. Engine running lean
    By crd783 in forum 3.8L V6 Naturally Aspirated (L36)(L26)
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 11-09-2009, 01:26 AM
  5. running lean or rich + white smoke on idle
    By Talsition in forum 3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67)(L32)
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 10-17-2009, 08:51 PM
Tags for this Thread

View Tag Cloud

Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Posting Permissions
  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •