What could be the problem?????

Question

I have a 1995 isuzu rodeo and when i came home today it started smoking from under the hood?what cause it to smoke?thermostat?I do have a slight coolant leak but i don't think i was low

Answer 1

it was probably steam from the radiator. more then likely your leak got worse now that we are getting into warmer weather it runs a little hotter. fix your leak and replace the thermostat. once you get a thermostat too hot it doesn't work right anymore. should solve all your problems

Answer 2

since you already know about a coolant leak, let's start there.
did you notice any tempiture warnings or higher than normal
tempiture gauge readings that would indicate a cooling system problem? even if not it still could be a cooling system
concern. your known leak, is it a hose-which can get worse very fast-or radiator, heater core, engine block leak? if unknown a good visual inspection would be a good first step
look for any new residue or signs of "steam" released.....but be CAREFULL a hot engine can burn you or suddenly puke hot coolant or steam..... note all of the fluid levels, coolant, oil, automatic transmission, power steering fluid and brake fluid to see if any is low, indicating the source of your concern. if you have access to a cooling system pressure tester (hand pump) and know how to use it, now would be the time. if you do find the coolant low and do not have a pressure tester, you could fill the system ( fill with engine running ONLY) and start the engine and let it run to build pressure.....but be ADVISED not only could you hurt yourself, but do great damage to your vehicle.....always best to let your engine cool down first, even then ther is a risk. use caution and watch your gauges. if some other fluid got onto
the engine or exhaust it will cause smoke, look over the fuel
lines during your inspection, leaking gasoline should create
an distinct order but the oder may have dissipated as you let the engine cool. a lot of verbaledge for what could be a small
problem, but for every thing I thought of there are probly severail i missed. i have even found plastic debree on the exhaust causing some smoke/odor. look it over first for any signs of leaks and fluid loss and don't run your engine very far
past normal engine tempiture even if no symptions return. i would advise finding out this problem before driving further as it has the potential to get very costly very fast. one more thing. if the engine has over heated for any reason i always
recommend replacing the cooling system thermostat and drain and refill the system with new coolant, a power flush is even better than a drain and refill. hope this helps...good luck!

Answer 3

Sounds like you have an oil leak somewhere that's dripping onto most likely the exhaust manifold.

Answer 4

It could be that the car overheats from driving for a long time and since the car is kinda old it easily gets overheated.

Answer 5

could be a coolant leak that got bigger than it was or oil leaking or trans fluid