Smoke puffs from the bonnet
Discussion
Hi all,
after getting a chance of driving this weekends (finally, after four weeks), I noticed small smoke puffs coming from under the bonnet. I needed to add some water all summer, but couldn't make out the reason yet. Seems like she's loosing the water in small amounts. Do you know any other than these two options?
Thanks
Konrad
after getting a chance of driving this weekends (finally, after four weeks), I noticed small smoke puffs coming from under the bonnet. I needed to add some water all summer, but couldn't make out the reason yet. Seems like she's loosing the water in small amounts. Do you know any other than these two options?
- Expansion cap
- Pin hole in the radiator
Thanks
Konrad
Can you spot where the steam is coming from? Might just be water hitting the exhaust manifold and steaming off.
If it was the radiator I would expect the leak to be so small it would not give off visible steam out of the bonnet vents. Several people have reported loose hose connections, might be worth checking the ones you can get to.
If it was the radiator I would expect the leak to be so small it would not give off visible steam out of the bonnet vents. Several people have reported loose hose connections, might be worth checking the ones you can get to.
If it is only on startup its condensation or water running in the car from the outside (takes a few minutes to clear), ow if its all the time I agree that the radiator does not steam (I noticed mine was packing up rather by the smell when I got out the car- like hot coolant)- one thing going could be the hoses to and from the radiator- check for little drops under car left and right under air intakes (should be two drainholes there)- if its the hose have fun dismantling the bit (do not remove the tea bag- it is there for a reason 
)- if you do fit new hoses think of silicone ones - like ACT...
Hope it´s not the head gasket...
good luck
edited....oh god my spelling and this is b4 the wine
)- if you do fit new hoses think of silicone ones - like ACT...Hope it´s not the head gasket...
good luck
edited....oh god my spelling and this is b4 the wine
Edited by cramorra on Monday 26th November 00:15
Edited by cramorra on Monday 26th November 00:16
Very often, the puffs of steam are a consequence of overfilling and the system finding its own level. If you're filling it back up again, it will continue to do this.
Our Tamora had not been puffing steam and did not seem to be using much water if any, but...... MrsS had been commenting on the smell of antifreeze over the past few months -turns out the radcore is perished. Must say I'm not particularly impressed on a car that's not seen winter use and is less than 3 years old - on the upside, its been caught at a service, and there is no damage done.
Best advice is to get the system pressure tested as said above.
Our Tamora had not been puffing steam and did not seem to be using much water if any, but...... MrsS had been commenting on the smell of antifreeze over the past few months -turns out the radcore is perished. Must say I'm not particularly impressed on a car that's not seen winter use and is less than 3 years old - on the upside, its been caught at a service, and there is no damage done.
Best advice is to get the system pressure tested as said above.
Thanks for all the replies .
As the steam is coming from somewhere far in the front (and not the vents closer to the windshield), I hope it's only the hoses which need tightening. Did anyone do that yet? Any tips or even pictures?
I'll additionally look for a garage to have the cooling system pressure tested.
Konrad
.As the steam is coming from somewhere far in the front (and not the vents closer to the windshield), I hope it's only the hoses which need tightening. Did anyone do that yet? Any tips or even pictures?
I'll additionally look for a garage to have the cooling system pressure tested.
Konrad
I have done it and it is not really funny (and no pictures either)
Best is you start engine get it running till puffs come up and stop...
then open bonnet- obvious leaks yes/no
there are two types of radiators (both ally one with plastic expansion tanks on the ends- sometimes leak where plastic and ally joined together- and full ally ones which are aftermarket and acc to some dealers more prone to crack), also there are two different water in and outlets in radiators to make it a bit more confusing - TVR at it's best
if no obvious leak check for water on mentioned drainholes under air intake
then go into right hand side radiator opening with torch and hand (if engine not to hot), you will find a right angled hose pointing down- this was leaking in my case)
- if this is leaking- start swearing, jack up right side of car, remove wheel and plastic wheel arch - this is fixed with (? Nieten) so you have to drill them out, get hose out and replace (I really found a teabag when doing this on my car hence the comment.... Earl Grey I suppose and hidden there from the Russians...
)- then reverse game -a days job if you are DIY-ing- other hoses should be easier to change- I don't know where you could get new ones in the Vaterland as they are Custom made if you order here try ACT for silicone (less thermal instability)
a word about pressure testing- when my radiator went (about 2 months after above adventure
pressure testing was negative despite loosing water so make sure it's done properly)
I can only stretch the fact that the engine (if not leaking) will find it's level of water- so do not overfill
Good Luck
Best is you start engine get it running till puffs come up and stop...
then open bonnet- obvious leaks yes/no
there are two types of radiators (both ally one with plastic expansion tanks on the ends- sometimes leak where plastic and ally joined together- and full ally ones which are aftermarket and acc to some dealers more prone to crack), also there are two different water in and outlets in radiators to make it a bit more confusing - TVR at it's best
if no obvious leak check for water on mentioned drainholes under air intake
then go into right hand side radiator opening with torch and hand (if engine not to hot), you will find a right angled hose pointing down- this was leaking in my case)
- if this is leaking- start swearing, jack up right side of car, remove wheel and plastic wheel arch - this is fixed with (? Nieten) so you have to drill them out, get hose out and replace (I really found a teabag when doing this on my car hence the comment.... Earl Grey I suppose and hidden there from the Russians...
)- then reverse game -a days job if you are DIY-ing- other hoses should be easier to change- I don't know where you could get new ones in the Vaterland as they are Custom made if you order here try ACT for silicone (less thermal instability)a word about pressure testing- when my radiator went (about 2 months after above adventure
pressure testing was negative despite loosing water so make sure it's done properly)I can only stretch the fact that the engine (if not leaking) will find it's level of water- so do not overfill
Good Luck
I had a similar experience with my rad recently. Puffs of vapour coming out of the offside vent on my Tuscan after about 10mins driving. Tended to clear itself after a short while but was becoming worse so I had a look and found a small leak/fracture tucked in behind the rad. It had been pressure tested a couple of months ago when it first started (was early days then so not so bad) but no leaks were found as it was so small. Called the AA out and got it replaced on the breakdown repair/warranty policy.
Andy
Andy
you may be slightly paranoid there with these puffs, when my car is warming up, especially in winter as the water temp reaches 70c, i gets puffs of steam as the cold water sat on the radiator/that runs off bonnet, is heated. my car never seems to use water, i think in your case i'd get my head under there and tighten up all the jubilee clips on the hoses, they aint great so i replaced with new stainless jobbies which seem to get a better hold.
edited to add, from my experience its always better to try the simple fixes first.
edited to add, from my experience its always better to try the simple fixes first.
Edited by hollowpockets on Thursday 13th December 11:49
Gassing Station | Tamora, T350 & Sagaris | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff