Smoke/Steam from Grill when started??

[RossW]

I've never seen this happen before. Just wondering about a few opinions from some more knowledgeable folk.

I was washing my 91 Cavalier RS in the driveway a few days back. It's a 3.1 L 6 cyl, if that is relevant with about 150,000 miles (240,000kms) Anyways after I was done, I started the car, and what seemed to be a puff of smoke or steam emitted from the front of the car thru the grill?? I turned it off pronto, and raised the hood. I couldn't really smell anything, be it a steamy smell or a smoky smell. If while rinsing it off, and too much water got onto the rad or battery terminal, or something else, could this be the cause? I started it again, with no problems. It seems to be running as normal, these past 2 days but I am curious as to what may have caused this smoke or steam. I've never seen this ever before while washing it, be it a home with the hose or thru a drive-thru car wash.....

Should I be having anything checked out to be on the side of caution?

Any thoughts?

Thanks
RW

[4dr92cavi4cyl]

Did you wash it under the hood or did some water get in from the grill? I hope, if you did wash under the hood, that you didn't do it with the engine still warm. Cold water on hot parts can cause steam and can warp metal parts and crack plastic parts. More that likely what you saw was just water getting blown out of the radiator fins by the fan.

[RossW]

Thanks 4dr92cavi4cy

That's probably it. The car was cold, and I never had the hood open or anything, it would have just been the water getting in thru the grill when rinsing, etc. funny i've never ever seen that before....????

I bet you are exactly right, That's why no steamy smell or smoky smell when I lifted the hood and checked.
Thanks again.

RW