Toyota 4runner smoke and exhaust smell?

Rich Wilson

1986 Toyota 4runner EFI 22RE 4 cyl. I noticed this problem when my mother followed me home when we picked up her car out of the shop (ironic I guess). When we got home, she said, "you need to do something about that exhaust." I was surprised and asked what the problem was. She says, "That 4runners exhaust smells horrible, and also it was smoking when you started it." Since, I have noticed that it smokes a little on startup, and a lot if you ride the clutch even a little bit. I was hoping to fix the problem as soon as possible before it shoots out a cloud of smoke. And the smell doesn't seem bad to me unless it revs a little. As well, please know that my exhaust manifold all the way to the cat. conv. is suffering surface rust. Please find an answer to this.































P.S. I know that it is not oil or fuel because I have tried a few different ones with consistent bad results. There is no water in the oil or fuel.































Thank you for helping and please try to help without telling me that my engine is screwed. Haha.















Well, yes, there are a few leaks in the exhaust system. It has 280,000 miles, and it has never been rebuilt. As for riding the clutch, I don't do that, maybe only a little on uphill you know. Most time on the clutch is 1 sec. for me, I get off it quick. It just smokes more while the clutch is engaging.

Doug R

Your truck is over 20 years old. Has it been rebuilt or has it been left sitting for an extended period of time ?















Sounds like a re-build may be in order.















QUIT riding the clutch ! Did someone tell you that was good ?















Exhaust smoke usually means burning oil. That would be expected in an older engine with allot of miles.















Surface rust would be normal. Are there ANY leaks in the exhaust system ?