White steam from the radiator cap
 

Hello all,
I have a 2002 Honda Civic EX. I am here to ask some help on diagnosis of steam from my car. I was driving on the freeway, took exit ramp and suddenly saw steam coming out of my hood. I pulled into a parking lot, opened the hood and saw it coming out of the radiator pressure cap. I let it keep going, after that, opened the cap and put more radiator coolant. It took a lot of coolant and then after a while (when it reached certain level) it started steaming again. I was pouring into the radiator and not reservoir.

Checked the dip stick and engine oil is not white or gray. Some gunky material is now around the pressure cap seal area and in the cap. The passenger side fan doesnt seem to work as well (never noticed that before..maybe just went off).

Can someone guide me as to what is wrong? I have replaced the radiator myself 2 yrs back but after that it got bent once in an accident abt 1 yr back.....left it on there as it was still working...Is it the radiator, cap, thermostat, hoses or water pump that has gone bad?

Can you please tell me how to check for these....Im most afraid of water pump as that one is very expensive on labor...radiator and fan I can do myself.

Any suggestions are highly appreciated



Thanks

It may be as simple as the thermostat is stuck closed. Start there anyway.

With the system full and the engine cold, start the engine with the radiator cap off and rev it. If bubbles or coolant blow out, the head gasket is blown.

It's not good to let the engine get so hot that steam comes out. If at any time the temperature gauge goes over normal, shut it down.