Coolant in oil steam coming from under hood?

RWADDLESEE

MEMBER
2004 CHEVROLET VENTURE
3.4L
V6
2WD
195,000 MILES

Van suddenly has steam coming from under back of hood. Pulled over checked and engine had water on top of engine(kind of splashed around) but couldn't see anywhere it was leaking. Engine started and temp was a little high. Maybe 5/8 to 3/4 way on gauge. So I tried to get it home. Made it 2or3 miles before temp got close to the red but was still maybe 3/16 away from red. Pulled over and checked for leak and found nothing butmore water splashed on top of engine. Got it home next day and filled with coolant. Started it and it ran good. Checked dipstick and oil was way up on the stick so I shut it off. My question is ; would the water on top of motor more likely have come from a blown head gasket or intake manifold gskt.

Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 AT 11:01 PM

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,137 POSTS

Yep, it sounds like the intake manifold gasket let go which can leak internally and externally. I would remove the intake and inspect the gasket, if the failure is found go ahead and drain the oil out and replace the filter as well, then with the gaskets replaced refill the cooling system with fresh coolant. Please upload images of the gasket so I can help confirm the failure with you. Please go over this guide as well

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolantantifreeze-in-the-engine-oil

Please go over this guide and get back to us.

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Thursday, November 6th, 2025 AT 9:47 AM