Steam from back of engine

[orbusrex]

So I got pulled over last night... yuck. But as we are talking the cop tells me my engine is smoking. I jumped out and saw steam coming from the rear garnish... I opened it up and there was just a little steam coming from the rear cylinder bank, on the drivers side. I saw a thread earlier that it might be a pair of coolant hoses. There was no coolant leaking out or dripping anywhere.

I'm scared... any help would be appreciated.

Rob

Edit, timing belt and water pump changed less than 10k miles ago... car has 65k now

 

[fkong777]

have u check the coolant tank? if you still have the OEM one. they crack and the top can pop off. once pressurized they will leak out fluid.

 

[orbusrex]

It's coming from the back drivers side of the engine bay, from the rear valve cover-ish area.

 

[Hugh]

There are coolant hoses in that area. One could be leaking onto the exhaust manifold creating the steam. It could be as simple as that or more significant such as a blown head gasket. The car needs to be checked my a competent mechanic.

 

[Briank]

Smoke from the rear bank is normaly oil burning off the exhaust manifold, could be the head cover gasket, spool valves or the cam plugs. Just a few drops makes a lot of smoke so its not a big deal. Just check the above items and repair as needed.

 

[Hugh]

He originally mentioned that it was steam and not smoke. But only The Shadow knows for sure. :smile:

 

[IFIXEM]

Give it the good ol smell test first. You need to detemine if it's steam or smoke.
If you had that much steam for a cop to notice you would most likely see coolant leaking on the ground.

Jimmy

 

[Jin1976]

I had that happened. It was leak from the rear valve cover. Just replace the gasket. There was also leak on the cam plugs but not much to drip onto the exhaust manifold.

 

[orbusrex]

Call me stupid, but I drove it home from work (100 miles... I know, not smart) and there was no steam when I got home...

When I was pulled over, it was pretty significant through the RWG, and it smelled like sweet steam, so I don't believe it to be oil. I'll run it this weekend and see if there are any changes...

Thanks everyone!

 

[Doc308]

If it has a sweetish smell, it's likely coolant. If you can't find the leak w the naked eye, buy a coolant leak detection kit. You pour a dye into the coolant, let it circulate and then use a black light to detect the leak. If there is a leak, that will find it. You can buy these kits at most aftermarket auto parts stores.

There is also a special dye for oil leaks as well. The procedure is the same--ie pour into the oil, drive for awhile, and then use the black light.

Good luck.