My 03 Accord V-6 with 105,000 miles has a vapor coming from behind the engine on the passenger side. Smells like hot water vapor. Vapor comes from the hood, happens when ever car is running. Can anyone tell me what might be the cause? Dealer said it's a release valve there and that it is normal for this to occur.

 

I wonder what kind of "release valve" they're talking about. The only pressure-relief "valve" in the cooling system is the radiator cap. And it discharges into the white plastic coolant expansion tank.

 

only thing back there i know of is the heater control valve and they are know to leak after some time. was it a technician you talked to or the guy that washes the cars?

 

Yes it was a technician that I spoke with. The vapor only come out when the car heats up, and its on and off. if I sit in traffic, it starts, when I am driving, it stops. It looks like it coming from a round cylinder with a metal pipe going into it and then it's a hose.

 

sounds like some part of the water passage tubing/hoses is leaking...go back to the dealership and have them pressure check the system and that pizza boy masquerading as a technician should stay away from the car.

 

Can you take a picture and post it?

 

Thanks Jeff... I can take a picture of it.

 

Had it looked @ and it was the power steering line weeping. Thanks for all the info.

 

Speaking of water passage would you happen to know how to replace it ,i was taking my water pump off and some how some way a big chunck of the water passage broke off so i have to by a new one and replace it . One issue i do not know how are even where to start . Can you probaly send me in the right direction .

 

what year engine/trans is it?