3D-Aircrew

86 - Vert. I was on my way to work this morning and was stopped waiting for a light when I noticed a slight puff of steam coming from under the right headlight ... which were up and on. It lasted for about 30 seconds and stopped.

The temp on my gauge was ~150F and by the time I got to my parking space it had reached operating temp of ~180F. I lifted the hood and checked it out while it was still running and saw no evidence leaks or vapors. The overflow tank was up to the hot line. I think the vapors may have come from the overflow tank because it's right under the headlamp.

What's going on?

PS: I did smell the sweet smell of ethylene glycol when it happened.

C6_Racer_X

How old is the pressure cap on the radiator? If it's over 5 years old, start by replacing that.

Does the temperature gauge hold rock steady when driving? Even in traffic?

billschroeder5842

My quick guess is normal operations but you need to get a new cap (as mentioned above).

I think that you system pressurized as part of the warm up routine, then "shot" hot (steamy) fluid through the system as normal. You cap may be weak and let the steam escape the system rather than holding it in. When the super hot fluid hit the cooler over flow tank "steamed up a bit."

ghoastrider1

lets hope its not a split seam. When it happens, open up the hood and look,, very easy to see whats wrong

3D-Aircrew

In the radiator? Just replaced it ~ 3 years ago.

Dt86

It could be the hose to the overflow tank. Where it connects to the radiator can sometimes have a bad seal.

JrRifleCoach

That would suck. But not as bad as other parts that require a lot more effort to R&R. Like a water pump.. twice in one year.