Smoke/steam coming from center of engine
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: St Louis
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Smoke/steam coming from center of engine
Hello all. Recently I purchased a 1999 Cherokee Sport. I was told it had an overheating issue and the seller suggested I replace the leaky thermostat housing to fix it. It seemed to have worked. I decided prior to taking it on the road again I should let it idle for a little while and get to operating temperature. The needle stayed where it needed to and all seemed good. The radiator hose still leaked some so I guess I didn't reattach it properly but that's not my problem. After about 10-15 or so minutes I noticed steam coming from the center of the engine. It was not from the oil cap. It was a little to the right as I facedar the engine. And I didn't give myself a lot of time before cutting the engine out of worry. I'm pretty certain it was steam. It was faint, no oder that I could trace, and it was clear/faint white. It was also barely noticeable without the light I was using. I took a picture but the steam does not show up. The temperature guage stayed right where it needed to. Is there something I should be worried about here or is this normal? I'm a total rookie and I'm hoping this is a dumb question. Thanks!
Last edited by minuteman92; 08-02-2018 at 08:25 PM. Reason: Spelling error
#2
If you are seeing white smoke form that spot, I would do a compression check first to check the head gasket. You should see ~150psi on all cylinders. If the PO was saying it was overheating, the head gasket would be a good initial suspect. The hose with the yellow duct tape looks a little suspect too. It shouldn't have any smoke coming from it, but has moving air and oil vapor. If you are just learning, you could also start by taking off the valve cover and checking that gasket. Burning oil can cause some white smoke. IF the valve cover is leaking there, it could get to the block and burn off from the heat.
I also experienced white smoke when my transmission output seal was leaking. It would drip through the bellhousing and onto the exhaust creating white smoke. A good way to learn where things are is to clean all the grime off and then look for fluid leaks. Everything tends to collect at the bottom of the bellhousing and will then drip down to the exhaust where it crosses under the bellhousing.
Are you losing coolant? Losing oil? If you notice wither of these that can help you identify the root problem.
I also experienced white smoke when my transmission output seal was leaking. It would drip through the bellhousing and onto the exhaust creating white smoke. A good way to learn where things are is to clean all the grime off and then look for fluid leaks. Everything tends to collect at the bottom of the bellhousing and will then drip down to the exhaust where it crosses under the bellhousing.
Are you losing coolant? Losing oil? If you notice wither of these that can help you identify the root problem.
#3
CF Veteran
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,550
Received 663 Likes
on
566 Posts
Year: 96
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
run the engine up to temp, then shut it off, if its coolant under pressure, normally it will hiss out for a bit
the heater pipes/tap are not far away from that spot, give them a wiggle, you may have a pinhole or crack
the heater pipes/tap are not far away from that spot, give them a wiggle, you may have a pinhole or crack
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
lhpdiver
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
17
08-23-2015 01:53 PM
MrStratPants
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
32
08-25-2014 08:29 AM
highmileage
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
3
11-24-2012 02:06 PM
MexicanJeep
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
1
06-25-2011 09:40 AM
rss1963
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
6
05-06-2010 08:15 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)