Smoke/steam coming from under the hood on the driver's side opposite of where the reservoir tank is?

CDMAMA5979

MEMBER
2004 PONTIAC GRAND AM
230,000 MILES

Every now and then my temperature gauge will start to creep past the middle mark, so I turn the heat on and usually stops. I keep an eye on antifreeze and everything, all good. No smoking or anything. Until last night. I was driving, the temperature gauge was normal but when stopped at a light I noticed smoke/steam coming from under the hood on the driver's side opposite of where the reservoir tank is. So turned the heat up, stopped smoking while driving but started again while stopped. Make it home and pop the hood and there's water everywhere on the driver's side. On the radiator even the front tire. Antifreeze a little low but nothing feels hot except a radiator hose which isn't leaking or anything. But I have had problems with the fan not coming on before. Sometimes I have to turn on the air first before the heat just to make sure the fans are working. Can the fan not coming on make it spray water like that but not make the temperature gauge go up?

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Friday, March 17th, 2023 AT 9:25 PM

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

If the fan isn't working, it will cause the engine to heat up when in stop-and-go traffic, but it will not directly cause a leak. Indirectly, it could cause a leak if the engine gets hot enough.

If possible, let me know the engine size so I can look into specifics.

So, there is certainly a leak. Here is what I suggest: First, check all hoses near where you see coolant.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

If you are unable to find it by simply looking, we will need to pressure test the system. This will require a pressure tester, but most parts stores will lend one to you.

Here is a link that explains how to pressure test the cooling system:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Let me know the engine size and if you are able to find anything.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, March 17th, 2023 AT 10:02 PM

CDMAMA5979

MEMBER
14 POSTS

3.4 L. So, I'm almost positive it's coming out of the radiator hose bit there's no holes and clamp is fine it's just being pushed out when it gets hot because the fans aren't coming on. So I should start with the fuses and relays before I make any big repairs, correct? I switched some of them around yesterday to check them and the fans came on for a bit but back off now.

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Monday, March 20th, 2023 AT 10:57 AM

CDMAMA5979

MEMBER
14 POSTS

Also, it looks like straight water. Not antifreeze. But there's plenty of antifreeze. When it does get hot there's a lot of water on my left front tire but also directly under the radiator.

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Monday, March 20th, 2023 AT 10:59 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

First, let's find the leak. If you can, review the link I attached above related to pressure testing the system.

You will need a pressure tester, but most parts stores will lend one to you at no charge. If you do this, a leak can be located with the engine cold. That way you can take your time to find the leak without getting burned.

Let me know what you find. Also, if you are running water only, the boiling point is 212F which is easy to reach. A 50/50 mix of coolant and water raises that to around 270F. However, if your vehicle has DexCool coolant, don't mix other types of coolant unless you have a universal coolant that indicates it can be mixed.

Let me know.

Joe

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Monday, March 20th, 2023 AT 9:08 PM