steam smell

kaji · Post by **kaji** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:17 pm

I just pulled the head off and replaced a burnt exhaust valve. (3a engine)Now I have steam coming out of the oil filler cap when I remove it and leave the engine running. I have no signs of water on the dipstick (blown head gasket) It does seem to be running a little hot with the temperature guage about the half way mark. It starts right away and idles fine. Any ideas or is this normal? I was burning alot of oil before the valve burnt.

Typrus · Post by **Typrus** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:29 pm

It might just be oil vapor? Hold a piece of paper over the hole and let it vent up onto it. Then see if the paper dries or remains covered. It's probably oil. Every car I've ever seen gets oil vapor blasting up if the cap is left off... Makes a royal mess...

kaji · Post by **kaji** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 1:04 am

Thanks Typrus for the reply. I believe it was just oil vapor as the paper would not get wet like it should if it was steam. There were only a few spots of oil left on the paper. The vapor just seemed to dissipate in the air like steam rather than smoke. My radiator is not losing any coolant so this is a good sign. Still keeping my fingers crossed about the torque job on the head bolts.