1995 SL500. Changed plugs. Changed oil. Drained and flushed coolant system. Replenished and trouble started.

However I am not sure it is related to coolant. Here is the situation. Moved to WV. Noted for high ethanol content.

Now; drained, flushed, replenished coolant and vapor came from exhaust. Started running rough and progressively worse until backfire and no run. All the while a vapor (hard to tell if it was antifreeze or sulphur content; it it was white and disappeared 5' away). It had an odor I couldn't identify. But and maybe a whiff of sulphur and/or anti-freeze?

Would be catalitic converter be plugging. Removed spark plugs and no watere blew out and plugs weren't wet and no water in oil.

Anyone with ideas? Thank you. pdmsampickens at gmail com

 

Is your coolant level dropping? What about transmission fluid level?

 

My thinking is Ethanol and clogged cat converter. Coolant level great. But, have not checked trans level. Seems this ethanol gas is causing problems in everything I own and my buddy too. I've had to put exxon prem in my van w/lucas gas treatment and replace cat covert to resolve its problem.

Would trans fluid get into exhaust?

Thanks.

 

I am not certain your car has a vacuum modulator on the trans, but if it does, the diaphragm inside could be broken, and engine vacuum sucking trans fluid into the intake. Burned trans fluid makes white smoke.

 

Tran fluid is low? Path to exhaust? Ideas?

 

Thank you so much: yes, white smoke is coming out the exhaust. I can't identify the smell. Will this also messup the O2 sensor requiring its replacement?

 

Did you see my explanation above? If your trans has a vacuum modulator, it is possible that engine vacuum is sucking trans fluid through the vacuum tube, into your intake, and is being burned with the fuel. This would be most notocable at idle, at deceleration, or any time you have high engine vacuum

 

IF you have a vacuum modulator on your trans, pull the hose off at the modulator - if it is bad, oil will come out of the hose. That hose should be clean and dry on the inside.

 

Thanks a lot; this is a ton of help. Will advise of outcome.

 

Yes, please.