Coolant Flush- steam/smoke coming from back of engine

Hi!

Im doing a coolant flush on my 96 Tacoma. And did 12 flushes in total to get clear water. On the 12th flush a bunch of steam started coming up from the rear of the engine. It looked to be equal amounts on the both sides but a little more on the drivers side.

it didn’t happen during the other flushes, the temperature didn’t rise above normal. I turned the engine off and it took about a minute for the steam to disappear.

any advice or thoughts on what that is? Just water on the engine getting burnt off maybe?

thanks!

 

Water has a lower boiling point then coolant and you probably have a air bubble somewhere.

 

I would look at your heater hoses you may have had one burst.

 

I suspect you spilled water/coolant on the exhaust and it's burning off.

 

Great! Thank you for the responses.. I did spill some water just didn't think it went that far back.
Will check the heater hose!

I didn't replace the thermostat, and haven't drained this last flush yet and replaced the coolant. Was thinking of going to get a thermostat and maybe water pump before refilling the coolant.

Does anyone know if it's OK to drive with just water in the system for a day? Coolant is mainly to prevent freezing and corrosion right? Also higher boiling point- but for a day would it be OK if the temp doesn't rise?

 

pressure testing your cooling system & inspecting for drips from underneath would eliminate any guessing from us & the crystal ball....
Only way to truly know....
Parts stores may have a PT'r you can rent or use for free..

You may have had pinholes in a tube, pipe, etc & now that the rust is gone, its leaking.
Or you made a mess & it was burning off.

We have know way of telling you which & could cost you a severe overheat if you dont find out for certain.

 

That's good advice- thank you!

 

A day with water is fine....

 

Your fine running on just water for a bit but don't leave it in there for a long period or things will start rusting/corroding.

Water pump is typically done with a timing belt kit so not sure when the belt was done last but if it's due I would do it all while your in there so it's done.

 

Great, this is helpful!

 

Whatever slater and Dm93 suggest they’re always spot on with great advice. IMO

 

Youre making me blush...

Im far from spot-on, I dont know shit about Toyotas....
Scared of them....
Just overall knowledgeable when it comes to that thing under the hood that makes your truck go...

 

Thank you so much!

I finished the flush and replaced the thermostat. The steam disappeared for the remainder of the water flushes.

but just refilled with coolant, on an incline and burping the hose. Still air bubbles coming out- but that steam is back in a very pinpointed spot.

Planning to take it to a mechanic Monday- but until then could anyone tell me what part is steaming- at least then I can have an idea of what’s happening before taking it in.

the pic included is of the area- and looks like it’s the metal hose just behind the transmission dipstick- just not sure what that’s called.

 

If your talking about this, that's an oil leak from the valve cover gasket that's dripping onto the exhaust manifold and no doubt it's burning off and smoking.

Relatively easy repair, just needs new valve cover gaskets.

 

I was referring to that- thank you! That would track cause looks like my oil went down quicker than usual.

 

I mean it doesn't look bad enough that you would notice a drop in oil level but I bet if you look at the other side it's gona be leaking as well.

 

I'll check the other side and valve cover gaskets. Thank you so much for this- now I get to learn about valve cover gaskets

 

Not a terrible job, do note that the upper intake manifold needs to be removed to do the driver's side.

 

I'm hesitant to fix it myself because I don't want to do something to cause more damage, or miss an underlying problem- I did that once before and ended up being a very costly fix. But I am going to look it up and see if I can learn a bit about this part of the engine and how to fix/or recognize it, so that I know. Bit by bit I'm learning how to work on the engine- love this truck!

 

Here's a video on doing them, that will give you an idea of what's involved.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5fAXAuGozI