Help Needed on Traverse

[bowhunter1023]

This is probably bad...

In April last year, we replaced the transmission and the dealer we took it to for a possible trade in, told us it needed a motor too. Of course we didn't do that at the time, but I'm wondering now if that's not the case. When I started it yesterday, I thought it started rough, but leveled out. Tracie said the same this morning, but the check engine light stayed on and was blinking. Then I found this in the garage. Watery and almost appears to have carbon powder in it as opposed to oil. I just swept the floor yesterday, so the splatter effect tells me it "blew" out.

 

[Jackalope]

My first step would be to pull that SES code. Your local parts store like Autozine should have a ODB scanner.

Just off the cuff is the traverse louder? The reason I ask is it could be an exhaust leak in the manifold that could cause what looks like a fluid leak as dirty condensate blows out under pressure. This would also cause a rough idle if your O2 sensor is getting bad info or lack of backpressure.

 

[Carpn]

I was thinking exhaust leak as well .

 

["J"]

O2 sensor code?

 

[Quantum673]

I would agree with exhaust leak as well just from that photo.

Read codes and post. The check engine light blinking sounds like a misfire code. That would point to plugs, wires, coil packs, or crankshaft sensor. If I was a betting man I would put my money on it has jumped time. Tensioner bad and allowed it to jump time. Hope that's not it but wouldn't be the first one I have seen do that.

 

[bowhunter1023]

She said the light went off and it drove fine. I would say it seems to idle louder hearing it pull into/out of the garage. It seems to have a consistent white smoke too, but that's been the norm for a long time. I've checked for antifreeze in the oil and that doesn't seem to be happened.

Check engine light is on in my truck too. (Bank 1 catalytic/O2 sensor) and K puked all over the bathroom at 2AM this morning. Good start to the week...

 

[Clay Showalter]

Could be a bad catalytic converter.

 

[Dustinb80]

Oh damn, Hope K starts feeling better

 

[giles]

Pull the codes...then we can talk. Until then, it’s all just campfire talk.

 

[bowhunter1023]

The light went off and no code pulled just yet. I have it scheduled to go to the shop on Wednesday next week. We appear to have serious condensation occurring by parking a cold/wet vehicle in a heated garage. The milky substance under the oil cap has been present for about a year now, which seems to be somewhat prevalent in that GM 3.6L V6 motor. I checked all the fluids last night and while certain symptoms indicate fluid consumption (mainly antifreeze and oil) those levels are holding steady.

Last night, I opened the hood and removed the oil fill cap, then left the garage open to cool down. No issues with it this morning. Will report back later.

 

["J"]

Does it have a PCV on it? @Quantum673
EGR Valve?

 

[bowhunter1023]

It does have a PCV based upon my Googling last night...

 

[Quantum673]

EGR valve could be the issue. Codes will tell.
Milky residue in oil fill cap seems to be common in a lot of vehicles now a days. Nothing really to worry about there. Unless oil starts to get milky. Just about every one I pull in the barn has that during winter months no matter the engine or manufacture. Some are worse than others.

 

["J"]

In my experience, a PCV will cause this as well, but with Jon mentioning it’s common maybe I’m thinking wrong....
Pulling the PCV and shaking it, it’ll rattle if it’s functioning

 

[bowhunter1023]

Last oil change was a few weeks ago and I specifically asked them to check it for signs of antifreeze and they said it appeared normal.

Off to Google PCV location...

 

["J"]

One of those maintenance items most overlook.
There’s an interval for removing it, I just pull it, clean, make sure it rattles when I shake it and reinstall if no issues.
I’ve watched videos of people getting a can of carburetor cleaned and putting that vacuum line into the van and running the engine sucking it into the vacuum system too give it a cleaning. Smokes like a steam engine but cleans up fairly quickly....

 

[bowhunter1023]

The hose connecting to the air take came off last summer. I found it unattached when checking transmission fluid levels. I bet you that it's bad. I'll check it tonight.

 

[Quantum673]

Looks like there is aservice bulletin on it.
States issues only present themselves during cold weather. Replace PCV and clean hoses.

 

[Buckmaster]

clean hoses.

 

[giles]