Steam like smoke coming from engine bay. - North American Grand Cherokee Association

Chris Liston · 11-29-2003, 01:20 PM

Every now and again I will see a steam like smoke coming from my engine bay. There are NO leaks of any type and there is no smell of anti-freeze at all. I first though maybe I drove through a puddle and it was water on the exhaust but it also happens when its completely dry out. Has anyone else experienced this. All gauges are reporting normal so its not overheating. My girlfreinds 04 doesnt do it. BTW, its the 4.0 motor.

Thanks

ViNcE-ZJ · 11-30-2003, 12:31 AM

Hows your alternator..I've seen alternators that go start smokin white smoke...but you would smell a strong electrical-burning smell along with the smoke. There arent that many fluids that will evaporate. Coolant and Washer-Fluid are the only fluids I could see evaporating for some reason. Narrow down the area a little better.

Chris Liston · 11-30-2003, 07:24 AM

Alternator is fine. there is no electrical smell at all. The smoke only happens for a short period of time.

Chris Liston · 12-09-2003, 07:41 AM

I just called the Dealer to make an appt to have this looked at. They said there was NO need to bring it in as this is normal. Its condensation forming on the radiator fins. They see it all the time and Chrysler knows about it. They said as long as the temp gauge isnt showing any differences and there isnt antifreeze I should be fine. Its just alittle annoying to me to see this. It happens in the summer and winter.

cherokeekid · 12-09-2003, 11:01 AM

WJs have electric cooling fan? If there is moisture on the radiator or water and the fan isn't on you'll see the steam. With a mechanical fan it will draw the steam into the engine compartment instead of you seeing it.

GoingOffRoading · 12-09-2003, 01:56 PM

my radiator cap is going so it steams after I drive pretty hard

cherokeekid · 12-09-2003, 01:59 PM

I saw another post, looks like WJ have a mechanical vs electrical fan anyways

11-29-2003, 01:20 PM	#1
Chris Liston Senior Member Grand Junkie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Toms River NJ Posts: 161	Steam like smoke coming from engine bay. Every now and again I will see a steam like smoke coming from my engine bay. There are NO leaks of any type and there is no smell of anti-freeze at all. I first though maybe I drove through a puddle and it was water on the exhaust but it also happens when its completely dry out. Has anyone else experienced this. All gauges are reporting normal so its not overheating. My girlfreinds 04 doesnt do it. BTW, its the 4.0 motor. Thanks

11-30-2003, 12:31 AM	#2
ViNcE-ZJ Senior Member Grand Addict Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Tornto Canada Posts: 502	Hows your alternator..I've seen alternators that go start smokin white smoke...but you would smell a strong electrical-burning smell along with the smoke. There arent that many fluids that will evaporate. Coolant and Washer-Fluid are the only fluids I could see evaporating for some reason. Narrow down the area a little better. __________________ Sold the ZJ 2 years ago Looking for a new one now!!! YJ driver! 33's and junk....

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11-30-2003, 07:24 AM	#3
Chris Liston Senior Member Grand Junkie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Toms River NJ Posts: 161	Alternator is fine. there is no electrical smell at all. The smoke only happens for a short period of time.

12-09-2003, 07:41 AM	#4
Chris Liston Senior Member Grand Junkie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Toms River NJ Posts: 161	I just called the Dealer to make an appt to have this looked at. They said there was NO need to bring it in as this is normal. Its condensation forming on the radiator fins. They see it all the time and Chrysler knows about it. They said as long as the temp gauge isnt showing any differences and there isnt antifreeze I should be fine. Its just alittle annoying to me to see this. It happens in the summer and winter.

12-09-2003, 11:01 AM	#5
cherokeekid Senior Member Grand Addict Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 605	WJs have electric cooling fan? If there is moisture on the radiator or water and the fan isn't on you'll see the steam. With a mechanical fan it will draw the steam into the engine compartment instead of you seeing it.

12-09-2003, 01:56 PM	#6
GoingOffRoading Senior Member Grand Master Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Lafayette, Ca Posts: 4,067	my radiator cap is going so it steams after I drive pretty hard

12-09-2003, 01:59 PM	#7
cherokeekid Senior Member Grand Addict Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 605	I saw another post, looks like WJ have a mechanical vs electrical fan anyways

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