Cause of smoke from under the hood?

I have a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and I do believe that it’s the radiator but it’s not over heating. It smokes under the hood but that probably the antifreeze burning off... it looks like it’s coming from the top left hand side. Does anyone else know what it could be if not the radiator.

 

My radiator is leaking on top left corner where the plastic end cap is crimped on. I hate plastic radiators.

 

That is where I believe mine is coming from as well. I need a temporary fix until I can get a new one. I’m a mom of 3 so I need my Jeep! Lol

 

You can order a oem from Amazon for about 100 bucks unfortunately I've never figured out a temporary way to fix that leak

 

Welcome @Countrygirl15 . If the smell of antifreeze is pungent in the air or dried stains are evident then you may have found the source. If it's the "top left side" check for leaks from either the clamp, hose or radiator fitting. Safer to check when the engine is cool.

 

Ok the pros are on it now countrygirl hopefully Bob will chime in he's a radiator expert ( that I forgot to consult on my radiator sorry Bob) I am personally replacing mine with an all aluminum from champion cooling in California. It had a lifetime warranty and it's made in USA and only 194 bucks.

 

Sorry to say there is no quick fix.
There is no mechanic in a can that will work, most have side affects that create more and expensive issues.

This is a high priority, if the radiator is leaking and the plastic tank has failed the corrective action is replace radiator... As mentioned search online BUT confirm hte technician or shop will be willing to do work with a customer supplied part. DIY no problem.

Confirm radiator has failed, MAYBE remove thermostat* to get to part store and keeping you eye on coolant level
might give some extra time - but driving is becoming a gamble.

*temporary the computer will know.

 

Hello Melissa, welcome from Oklahoma.
IF you could physically see the crack you could use epoxy or "quick steel" puddy to fix the hole/crack.
I used quick steel to fix some broken fins where the mechanical fan made contact and it held fine for longer than I should have run been running it.
If the leak is along where the tank mounts there really isn't much hope for a temp fix.

Amazon has a lot of options for around $80 or so just make sure you get the right one for your engine as the filler next and inlet/outlet are on opposite sides depending on the engine.
Radiators generally aren't hard to swap with basic tools so I know you could knock it out, but we are here to help.

 

Yep make sure you don't get the V8 conversion one as Awrench says the in and out necks are opposite

 

Not sure where I claimed to be an expert. . And my point was. @TJ_abuser .You forgot to INCLUDE the entire forum for their opinion. And apparently you missed that. Its all good. So moving right along.

Sorry if I hyjacked your thread @Countrygirl15. Some great advice given up top. Post up your fix. I'm sure there's several of us that could learn from your posts.

 

I didn't mean to exclude anyone just was trying to make sure 2 people saw it the people I tagged seem to comment more than anyone else on fixes . I didn't mean to offend anyone and especially not exclude anyone. Sorry my bad

 

My husband had to buy a new radiator that’s the fix. Lol

 

And.... does anyone how many o2 sensors that make and model Jeep has?

 

@Countrygirl15 did you get a CEL and use a scanner to get the codes? Auto parts stores like Advance Auto offer free code scan to help identify which O2 sensor is the issue. Got my O2 sensor replacements there too. Check out my O2 sensor thread for some tips.

 

. Beautiful radiator sitting on the ugliest rug know to man

 

Countrygirl15 - please be careful when blindly replacing o2 sensors.

A code does not say a part is bad - parts stores say that.

Post the issue and any codes.

 

My husband and I did replace the radiator. It was cracked the whole way down the one side. However, when we got done that my battery and alternator decided to go. So we replaced that as well. It was one very eventful weekend that is for sure.

 

I hope your up and running.

Keep us posted - always willing to help as we can.

When it rains it pours - if it isn't one thing its another -

 

Amen brother especially in a jeep