2004 Honda Pilot/197,000miles/automatic
I drove it overloaded with family and luggage for about 30 minutes and thin, white vapor began filling the cabin. Pulled over, lifted the hood and lots of white smoke poured from the engine. It took about 30 minutes for it to stop smoking. Had it towed home. That was 3 months ago.
Now I'm back, with a very limited budget and have to fix it. I started it with no problem. 30 seconds later, thin white vapor began rising from behind the engine. As it heated up, more and more vapor was produced. I noticed that the radiator fans did not turn on. Also, I didn't see any bubbles form in the radiator fluid and didn't see any noticable vapor coming from the tailpipe.
I'm unable to have it towed to a mechanic and hope to diagnose and fix it myself, God willing. Any thoughts or suggestions?
You might have a leaking heater core hose if steam comes from the back of the engine. Wait until the engine cools, then do a visual check for water. Also squeeze the heater core hoses and move them around.
Last year I noticed a puddle under the passenger side of my truck that seemed a little large for air conditioner condensation. I drove my truck a mile and a half to go home and smelled antifreeze when I parked. I popped the hood and noticed water on top of the engine, around the thermostat. I waited an hour or so, ran the engine again and flexed the heater core hose that ran above the thermostat. It leaked right away, at a T-joint. I replaced the hose. The $107 price for a rubber hose was highway robbery.
That thing is 18 years old. Sounds like you have a coolant leak, likely in a hose that should have been replaced years ago. Physical examination is required to find the problem. Hopefully you did not overheat the engine so badly that you have a blown head gasket.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDuGeQnMOzk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0U8Iyf0kk4
rent/borrow a cooling system pressure tester and find the leak
