Coolant steam from under hood while stopped?

[Chazenabi]

I have found yet another problem with my '92. When I come to a stop, I see coolant steam coming out from under the hood. More by the back of the hood by the windshield. I dont see any spots when I back out of a parking spot or when its been sitting. I have had to add coolant twice in the past 2 days. Is this my water pump? I cant tell if thats where its coming from. Is there a way to test the system to locate the problem or is it more trial and error?

 

[290]

If you look on the drivers side, back side of the engine under the heads you will see one of your heater core lines. It comes out of the fire wall as a solid pipe then has about 3 inches of rubber hose that attaches to the block. Either this hose is toast or you just need to tighten the clamp. As far as i know thats the only thing coolant wise that far back in the engine compartment that would cause steam near the windshield.

 

[dantheman68]

yes, but remember, when youre driving, the wind in the engine compartment can do some crazy things to fluids...

where is the steam? middle? passengers side? Drivers?

also i think autozone lets you rent a coolant pressure tester... mabe you should try that out to see where the leak is coming from?

 

[Chazenabi]

yes, but remember, when youre driving, the wind in the engine compartment can do some crazy things to fluids...

where is the steam? middle? passengers side? Drivers?

also i think autozone lets you rent a coolant pressure tester... mabe you should try that out to see where the leak is coming from?

It comes from the middle most of the time. On really windy days it comes from all over. I can only see this when I'm at a stop. I thank you for the tips.

 

[Chazenabi]

If you look on the drivers side, back side of the engine under the heads you will see one of your heater core lines. It comes out of the fire wall as a solid pipe then has about 3 inches of rubber hose that attaches to the block. Either this hose is toast or you just need to tighten the clamp. As far as i know thats the only thing coolant wise that far back in the engine compartment that would cause steam near the windshield.

I did look there before posting this in hopes that someone might say that. I didnt know if they were coolant lines. I'm not a really good mechanic, but I'm trying to do things myself rather than pay the outrageous shop costs. So thanks again.

 

[LiLGhettoSmurf]

I have found yet another problem with my '92. When I come to a stop, I see coolant steam coming out from under the hood. More by the back of the hood by the windshield. I dont see any spots when I back out of a parking spot or when its been sitting. I have had to add coolant twice in the past 2 days. Is this my water pump? I cant tell if thats where its coming from. Is there a way to test the system to locate the problem or is it more trial and error?

The same thing is happening to me right now, I can hear it drip and hit something hot, in another thread Cerebrus questioned the waterpump because nothing hot runs under the pump, mine comes out on the passenger side, and it does not do it when the car is running, i dont notice it at idle, but I do notice it right after I turn the car off a 20 minute drive. So I don't know, but i also had to fill the coolant resoivour(sp?) twice in like 3 weeks.