Hello:

Just replaced the valve cover gasket on my Camry. While finishing up and testing, I noticed a bit of white smoke that appears to come near or around this part in front of the engine.

Questions:
Would appreciate any input on what this part is and its function.
Is the smoke due to the high temperatures around the engine?
Or is it something that indicates a potential problem?
If it is a potential problem, would like to know possible source(s) of white smoke in and around this part and what I should look into.

Thank you!

 

Is the smoke coming out around the circle part?

The part is called an Air Fuel sensor or AF sensor. It is there to determine the exhausts air/fuel ratio for the engine computer.

The sensor screws into the exhaust and has a metal gasket to seal it. Check for gasket and that the sensor is installed tight. Torque is something like 15 lb ft.

Also check if the area the sensor screws into (called the flange) is cracked.

 

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Hello Joey:

Thanks a lot for your response and input.

Yes, it seems to be coming around the circled part. It is very, very light smoke - almost like water evaporating off of a surface heating up.

Great, good to know that. Btw, I don't have any indication of malfunction like a CEL.

Will check the metal gasket for cracks, inspect tightness and the flange for cracks.

Thanks again!

 

Could be water vapor.