1999 Hyundai Tiburon Need Advise

TYODER13

MEMBER
1999 HYUNDAI TIBURON
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
145,000 MILES

Hi my name is Tyler and I had jus looked at and test drove a 99 Hyundai Tiburon Fx. It runs and drives smooth but wen we got back and it was sitting and idleing for awhile it started steaming underneath the hood. I told them to hold it for me and if it wasn't any thing to major that I might take it. What could cause that?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,742 POSTS

Hi Tyler. Welcome to the forum. You'll have to look to see where the steam is coming from and if there is a sweet smell to it. The first thing we think of is a leaking head gasket although it's more common for them to let combustion gases into the cooling system. If you see rapid bubbling in the overflow reservoir, suspect the head gasket. That's an expensive repair.

It is also possible the engine was pressure washed and the standing water is finally boiling off. There is a different, kind of musty smell when oil is washed off the engine. This is a common thing used car dealers do when they clean up a car for sale and is nothing to worry about.

Caradiodoc