Q: Radiator gets steaming hot, but the engine itself does not overheat?
When driving the other day I shut the truck off and got out and noticed steam coming from under the hood. I opened the hood and looked and it was coming from the radiator. The radiator was hot to the touch and steaming. However when driving and sitting idle, the engine temperature gauge never goes over the normal operating temperature mark and does not overheat. What could cause this?
My car has 150000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
You should identify where you seen the steam coming from on the radiator. The radiator most likely has a leak on one of the tanks of the radiator. If it cannot be located then have the radiator pressure tested to find the leak and replace the radiator if it is leaking.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
Roof hydraulics leaking
There are no problems that stand out on this car for your hydraulic leak; the entire convertible top system would need to be inspected to see if one of the cylinders, lines, or pumps are leaking on your car. I...
Car Starts And It Shifts Gears , But Won't Reverse , And In Drive It Barley Goes And When It Does It Jumps And Jolts. Transmisson?
Hello there, the transmission being unable to shift into reverse is a common issue for vehicles as they age and increase in mileage. There are a few common causes for this malfunction. The most likely would be low transmission fluid...
Transmission jerks when changing gears when in drive.
Hello. This can be caused by a failing transmission, but there are other parts that need to be checked first. It can also be caused by worn out engine mounts (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-mount-replacement) or a bad cv axle (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/axle-cv-shaft-assembly-replacement). I usually check...
Acceleration hesitation while climbing up sometime check engine light appear, high fuel consumption.
I would recommend checking the mass air flow sensor as this is a commonly known part that can cause this kind of loss of power. This regulates the air intake into the fuel injection and ensures a proper air/fuel mixture....
Ford Edge Powertrain Warning Light
Hello and thank you for contacting Your Mechanic. The issue could be the wiring inside the transmission or the harness to the transmission. Check the harness to the transmission for any debris, corrosion, or broken / bent wires. Use a...
I own a 2006 Cayman S. I brought it into the dealer for some concerns - please help me decide what to do
Hello - tire "speed range ratings" like "N" are for sustained speed at a specified load. If you participate in "track days" or other high-speed driving events, you would be wise to stick with an equivalent "N" rated tire, whether...
Jerking reaction when accelerating
This may be a sign of a dirty or failing mass air flow sensor. The mass air flow sensor is a unit in the intake system that monitors air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected...
Idle fluctuates and then stalls.
What you are describing sounds like a dirty or failing idle air control valve. The idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine at low speeds...
Car won't start even after a jump. Things turn on, engine cranks but won't start.
The problem sounds like the battery is too low to crank the engine and was most likely caused by the alternator not charging. You should have battery fully charged for at least 15 minutes and then see if it cranks...
Related articles
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re an Interior Designer
As As an interior designer, you need to transport a great many different items, including fabric, paint and wallpaper samples and sometimes even furniture items. You probably don’t handle overly large loads very often, and when you have to, you’ll...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're an Undercover Cop
If If you're an undercover cop, when you choose a used vehicle, your main purpose is to look like anything but a cop. That means, of course, that an unmarked Crown Victoria is probably not the wisest choice. We’ve evaluated...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Dog Trainer
If If you are a dog trainer, you expect a lot from your vehicle. You want a ride that is safe, roomy, and of course, dog friendly, since your training operation will often mean that you need to transport the...
Browse other content
Services
Maintenance
Estimates