Will I destroy my car if I drive it 2 miles to my mecanic?

BILLYC24

MEMBER
1992 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
180,000 MILES

What do you think will need to be fixed? Is this serious? Noticed I was about to over heat so I immediately pulled over when my engine bay filled with steam/ smoke. I opened the hood and smoke was rising from behind the engine. It had a sweet smell to it so it has to be a coolant related issue. When I returned to the car this morning it started right up and drove fine until I barely got home when the same thing happened. I opened the radiator cap to add coolant and steam rises from behind the engine. I cant see the leak, do you think its a loose hose? Or possibly a busted gasket? Hopefully not something more serious! Appreciate any advise you have for me. Wish I could donate to the cause but I honestly don't have 2$. Thanks again!

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 AT 4:29 PM

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Make sure the coolant is full before you leave and pay attention to the temp gauge. If it starts to overheat, pull over before it does and let it cool off. Recheck coolant level and fill if needed and continue. Chances are there is a hose that is leaking to the heater core, but I can't be sure without looking. Remember, avoid overheating.

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Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 AT 4:34 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

You will have to get a flashlight and look back there could be a hose came off or a hose broke even. Start by looking for a hose issue and go from there.

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Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 AT 4:36 PM