2002 Pontiac Montana Smell antifreeeze, brief steam comes f

2002 PONTIAC MONTANA
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DB595
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Engine Cooling problem
2002 Pontiac Montana Front Wheel Drive Automatic 100120 miles

Every once in a while I smell antifreeze, once in a while I think I notice steam coming from uderhood close to driver side windshield. This is becoming more frequent. In coolant reserveware it has white chunks. Probably stop leak? We just purchased this van a few months ago. Is it necessary to have it looked at now since the problem is intermitant. I've read alot tonight about the gasket and headvalves going bad. Do you think this is the problem.
Thank you
Oct 21, 2008 at 3:14 AM
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RASMATAZ
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Hi db595 and welcome to 2carpros

Are you experiencing overheating or temperature gauge acting weird-

Where are you smelling this upfront or out of the exhaust. If you've seen steam coming from under the hood get it check immediately can get worst later. If there's no actual leakage-Get it block and pressure tested-if you need more help just ask

Good Luck and thanks for the donation
Oct 21, 2008 at 4:58 AM
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DB595
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[quote:a1193f51d6="rasmataz"]Hi db595 and welcome to 2carpros

Are you experiencing overheating or temperature gauge acting weird-

Where are you smelling this upfront or out of the exhaust. If you've seen steam coming from under the hood get it check immediately can get worst later. If there's no actual leakage-Get it block and pressure tested-if you need more help just ask

Good Luck and thanks for the donation[/quote:a1193f51d6]

The temerature guage is not showing that it is hot. The smell is coming from the front. Any advice would be apreciated
Thank you
Oct 21, 2008 at 8:05 AM
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RASMATAZ
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Lets try and pressure test the radiator cap, because a weak cap (or one with too low a pressure rating for the application) will lower the coolant's boiling point and can allow coolant to escape from the radiator.
Oct 21, 2008 at 2:20 PM
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