The engine is running very smooth but there is steam coming out of the exhaust. Engine was never overheated that I know of. What can I check besides head/intake gaskets for possible causes? Any know intake or attchment leaks that can cause this. EGR valve, PCV, plastic stuff to check, etc? Hoping I don‘t have to overhaul the upper engine just to find the problem.
If you have steam and it smells like burning anti freeze then the head gasket is blown. It is leaking the coolant into the intake or directly into the cylinder. When the engine is running take the cap off the surge tank. Are there any bubles coming up into the tank? If so that would be compression being lost into the cooling system. Head gasket.
Try running a cooling system pressure test before tearing into the engine. Near as I can tell the intake is not nylon - a good thing. Might check w/Ford and see if there's a problem w/the intake gaskets similar to GM's. or if there are any applicable TSBs.
The steam is normal, especially in cold weather. It's a byproduct of the internal combustion process, and mostly goes away once the exhaust system is completely warmed up. Now, if any liquid starts draining out the tail pipe thats green, then you're looking a problems. Keep an eye on your coolant level. If it's dropping, its an indication that something is leaking.
