Catalytic converter smoking

Hi, this is Bo, an auto expert on RepairPal's Car Genius team! If your catalytic converter is still smoking after cleaning the oil from the valve cover gasket leak, there may still be residual oil trapped in hard-to-reach areas. Depending on how much oil leaked, it can take some time to fully burn off. Typically, after a few good heat cycles (driving the vehicle and letting it cool), the smoke should stop. If it's still smoking after a month or two, though, it’s possible some oil is still leaking or it wasn’t thoroughly cleaned. Check again for any new leaks or remaining oil that might be pooling near the converter. If it persists, it might be worth a closer look to ensure there’s no ongoing issue with the valve cover gasket or other seals. If you need any further advice or want help finding a trusted RepairPal shop in your area, please feel free to call us at 877-913-1554.