2007 ES350 white smoke or steam
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Kansas
2007 ES350 white smoke or steam
Hi guys
I just changed the valve cover gaskets spark plugs and ignition coils on my ES350, I was getting code P0361. Once I got everything back together and started the car, I check the codes to make sure they are cleared and then I look up see what looks like smoke or maybe steam coming from the front corner of the engine on the passenger side. The car isn't running hot and hasn't run hot for as long as I can remember. Any thoughts on what the smoke could be? I thought maybe it could be related to the water pump or thermostat. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated
I just changed the valve cover gaskets spark plugs and ignition coils on my ES350, I was getting code P0361. Once I got everything back together and started the car, I check the codes to make sure they are cleared and then I look up see what looks like smoke or maybe steam coming from the front corner of the engine on the passenger side. The car isn't running hot and hasn't run hot for as long as I can remember. Any thoughts on what the smoke could be? I thought maybe it could be related to the water pump or thermostat. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,216
Likes: 1,742
From: VA
Did you lower the coolant level when doing that work? Loosen any coolant hoses or maybe pull on one that is now loose? What is the coolant level? Any leaks under the vehicle? Not counting A/C condensate line.
You need to get an LED headlamp and look closely in and around that area. It may be necessary to clean it first. If you did not mess with the water pump then it should not be a problem. Toyota coolant leaks usually leave evidence of pink crusty remains of overflow near the leak.
Or it may be that steam/smoke will burn off in a short drive and you have no further issues.
You need to get an LED headlamp and look closely in and around that area. It may be necessary to clean it first. If you did not mess with the water pump then it should not be a problem. Toyota coolant leaks usually leave evidence of pink crusty remains of overflow near the leak.
Or it may be that steam/smoke will burn off in a short drive and you have no further issues.
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Kansas
Hi Clutchless
Thanks for your response. My car has 277,000 on it. So, I decided to replace the thermostat and water pump because it had never been done prior. At this stage I don't have any antifreeze in the car at the moment. But before draining the antifreeze the overflow container was empty. I'd estimate I drained about 1 to 1.5 gallons of antifreeze from the system. The new water pump and thermostat should arrive Wednesday at which point I will put it back together. I was thinking about adding some florescent dye to the antifreeze when I put it back together and getting a black light to help me spot any leaks. It is highly possible that I neglected to reconnect a hose or that that I punctured a line. I was just hoping it wasn't not the head gaskets
Thanks for your response. My car has 277,000 on it. So, I decided to replace the thermostat and water pump because it had never been done prior. At this stage I don't have any antifreeze in the car at the moment. But before draining the antifreeze the overflow container was empty. I'd estimate I drained about 1 to 1.5 gallons of antifreeze from the system. The new water pump and thermostat should arrive Wednesday at which point I will put it back together. I was thinking about adding some florescent dye to the antifreeze when I put it back together and getting a black light to help me spot any leaks. It is highly possible that I neglected to reconnect a hose or that that I punctured a line. I was just hoping it wasn't not the head gaskets
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,216
Likes: 1,742
From: VA
I doubt it was the head gasket. A problem like that which shows up right after other work was done is almost certainly related to that work. Besides, a head gasket failure will not (usually) blow steam. They usually show up as mystery coolant disappearances or overheating. The fact that it was okay before and not now indicates to me you probably pierced or disconnected a hose.
Only use Toyota Super Long Life Coolant which is already pre-diluted.
Have fun with that water pump job!
Only use Toyota Super Long Life Coolant which is already pre-diluted.
Have fun with that water pump job!
I imagine this is your first taking on a job like this? Smoke from the engine is pretty typical after a major engine overhaul. You probably have some residual oil, water, coolant, or some other fluid that spilled onto the engine during the job and started to evaporate when the engine warmed up during its first start.
Check for oil and coolant leaks, make sure both are properly refilled and life is good
Check for oil and coolant leaks, make sure both are properly refilled and life is good
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