Why is there steam coming from under my hood?

ASHDREA

MEMBER
2002 FORD TAURUS
180,000 MILES

I have a 2002 Ford Taurus Sedan and I noticed there is steam coming from under the hood once I shut the car off. When I open the hood it doesn't seem hot, but there is condensation on one of the tubes near the front (not knowledgeable on cars so I am not sure what part it is). The steam does not have a burning smell, or even a bad smell, almost has a "new car" smell to it, which is a very similar smell to the AC when it's on. All readings in the car are normal, the car is not over heated or anything like that, no engine light is on and the car actually works awesome. Could the steam just be related to the AC or is it something I should worry about?

6 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Are you losing coolant? Check around radiator--all hoses. Get it checked out. I can't see much from here.

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Saturday, September 3rd, 2011 AT 7:44 PM

ASHDREA

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3 POSTS

Doesn't seem to be losing any fluids.

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Saturday, September 3rd, 2011 AT 8:26 PM

ASHDREA

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I started looking more for leaks and I noticed this crack and it did seem to be wet around it. I even think this could be where the steam is coming from. I have a feeling it's probably not a good place for a crack, probably expensive too huh? I posted a picture of the crack where we believe the steam is coming from, it's not a great picture but it still shows where the part is wet and the middle crack and the crack in the lower left of the picture. Do you know what part that is by looking at the picture and is it something expensive to fix?

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Sunday, September 4th, 2011 AT 3:11 AM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Sorry, I can't tell from the picture? Where is it plugged in and where does it go? If you can safely take it loose, take the part to the autostore. They can look it up in their partsbook.

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Sunday, September 4th, 2011 AT 5:24 PM

02FORDTAURUS

MEMBER
1 POST

It's called an intake plenum elbow
Ford part # 2F1Z6C324A
About $25, you may see an oily residue around the crack, I'm pretty sure it's part of the EGR system, mine had a crack also. Could lead to an exhaust smell in the cabin, I don't know the amount of "steam" you're seeing, but I have the same issue, but I already know that I have a crack in the back exhaust manifold that is probably causing this. Had it "fixed" but I know eventually will have the manifold replaced. Hope this helps!