THis started about 3 months ago, I can be driving the car anywhere especially in the hot south texas weather. Anyway. when I am stop and going the temperature gauge goes up. (which it has always done, without problems). But lately when the temp gauge goes up I can see smoke coming out of my hood. But the car is not driving funny or overheating in anyway. There is just smoke. Now also about 4 months ago the Low coolant light comes on and off.....BUT it is full of coolant even the reserve.
Could it be the thermostat?? Or what do you all think??
Also I noticed a very small tear on the little hose that is right under the radiator cap and goes to the reserve. Could that be something.
Make sure the fans are coming on at the proper time. If not they will cause the car to overheat. If the fans are working then the problem is probably being caused by the radiator cap opening up to vent pressure and since the hose is cracked it is spraying onto the hot exhaust manifold causing the steam that you see. Since the coolant does not vent to the reservior then the coolant cannot come back in to the radiator when it cools down therefore enough coolant has been forced out of the radiator to cause you to need fluid. Repair the hose refill the reservoir and the issue should go away if the fans are coming on correctly.
the smoke (or possibly steam?) from under the hood indicates a fluid leak that is getting on the exhaust. I agree with GTP dad that it's possible that the small tear you see in the hose you describe is only leaking under pressure. Have you had to add coolant? oil? trans fluid? Which ever fluid you've had to add is what is causing your smoke.
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Normally, the only way for any discharge out the hose that goes to the reservoir is a cooling system problem. The cooling system pressure has to exceed the rating of the radiator cap which is around 15 psi while the engine is running. Have the cooling system tested.
The thermostat is a possibility, doesn't cost that much and is easy to change and that includes the radiator cap if defective. Just my two cents.
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