I've got a 1996 Cherokee Sport 4L 4x4. It looks like I'm leaking water from somewhere near the back of the engine ... bad enough that it leaves a trail and when it hits the exhaust it sends back a continual smoke cloud behind me. (Typically when in the interstate). I've checked it a couple of times... it's just water that's coming out. Where could this be coming from, and how can I stop it?

** UPDATE **

Ok... I've narrowed it down a little. Underneath the EVAP canister (the black can down and directly to the right of the washer fluid reservoir) there is a rubber hose that feels like it goes directly to the firewall. I stuck my finger up there, and the water coming out is cool, at "room temp."

What next??

(thanks again for all the input!)

 

Is it coming from the heater hoses?if not then I would get and inspection mirror and see if you can see it,there is only a couple of places I can think of,the heater hoses,between the block and head,or there is a plug on the head at the rear where older cherokee's have there temp sensor.

 

x2 i would start out by checking your heater hose, some times they will get a hole due to heat or rubbing, easy and cheap fix if thats the case.

 

Isn't there a freeze plug back there? It could be seeping getting ready to go. JMO

 

Ya, thats back there too. But if that was leaking he might be running a lil hotter, so i guess are you running a little hotter than normal or losing a noticable amount of anti freeze? Lets us know more infomation.

 

X2. That is critical. Get that checked right away. Don't goose it or climb any hills until you do. I would also say off the freeway.

If its leaking bad enough to put out a smoke cloud, it should be able to be found. You are probably losing coolant as a result of the leak.

 

I almost, Welcome to CF.

 

I just had the EXACT same problem. It was the driverside rear freeze plug. It's right under your exhaust manifold, you won't be able to see it easily without a mirror. A shop charged me 200 to fix it.

 

Actually. I'm NOT overheating at all. And I'm not loosing antifreeze... only water (I know... I actually tasted a little just to be sure). And the water is not hot coming out (from what I can tell).

 

Do you use your a/c,if so it maybe just the condensation from your evaporator,it would be on the passengers side. it would not be alot,but anything else would be at least warm. But it hard for me to see it causing a vapor cloud.

 

Unless somehow it's dripping onto the exhaust as it blows back while you're driving. Shouldn't be enough to cause a cloud though.

 

I think the water is blowing back onto the exhaust when I drive... namely fast. It doesn't really smoke when I'm on surface streets or parked.

 

Would the AC cause something like this. I know there is condensation, but could there be something else?

 

Windshield washer bottle?

 

yea it could cause it but i don think the amount the a/c evap. lets go is enough to produce a smoke cloud haha