1994 Ford Taurus LX-Overheating problems

Please help....Non-mechanic here....

My wife's 1994 Ford Taurus (3.0 V6) has been acting strangely....On several occasions, she leaves for work and after 15-20 minutes of driving, she notices a sharp "burning" smell....After a few more minutes, when she stops there is smoke and or steam coming from the right hand side (Coolant Bottle Side) of the engine....After the car sits and cools for a few minutes, the car runs fine and no more smells for the rest of the day.....

After some conversation with her, she is telling me that the Temperature gauge stays at the normal position, and never indicates any overheating issues.....I opened the hood and investigated, and there are no noticeable leaks, the coolant overflow bottle is filled to normal, and the radiator fluid looks clean and in good shape.....

Could it possibly be a malfunctioning thermostat?

Does anyone know where I should start to look for a problem?

Great website with loads of info---Thanks

I'd start by looking at the thermostat maybe.

Thanks, I'll replace it and see if that helps....

Coolant typically has a sweet smell when it burns. I'm not sure what she'd consider a "sharp" burning smell.

Any indication of an oil leak or that the engine is using oil?

Inspect the waterpump as well to make sure it is dry.

If the overflow tank is full and the radiator is still full, the burning liquid may not be coolant.

Does she notice if the cooling fans are running at the time she notices the steam/smoke?

-Rod

Check the oil pan gasket around the vicinity of the harmonic balancer. A leak from there will land on catalytic converter and smoke just where you mentioned.

I know, I just discovered similar problem. lol

Thanks to everyone with your help.....It actually turned out to be the radiator cap....It was allowing coolant to periodically leak onto the block....Replaced the cap, and so far all is well.....Thanks again...

Glad you got it all sorted :)

Imagine that.....a $5.00 part
:banghead: