A simple car/ engine type question.

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Dave7

Legendary Member
Location
Cheshire
Now this might possibly be the silliest question posted on here but here goes.
Earlier on I was stationary with the engine idling.
I had driven 10 miles.
It was raining.
I noticed steam rising off the bonnet.
My 1st thought was, engine is overheating but all dials etc were fine.
I cannot recall ever noticing that before.
Is it normal ??
 

T4tomo

Guru
Now this might possibly be the silliest question posted on here but here goes.
Not a chance, have you seen the beginners forum for a start....
 

monkers

Veteran
Now this might possibly be the silliest question posted on here but here goes.
Earlier on I was stationary with the engine idling.
I had driven 10 miles.
It was raining.
I noticed steam rising off the bonnet.
My 1st thought was, engine is overheating but all dials etc were fine.
I cannot recall ever noticing that before.
Is it normal ??

If the steam emanates from the edges of the bonnet and grille, the engine is overheating; if steam is given off over the entire wet panel of the bonnet, then it's completely usual and nothing to be concerned about.

There's a technical difference between engine overheating and undercooling, but I'll save that for another day.
 
OP
OP
Dave7

Dave7

Legendary Member
Location
Cheshire
If the steam emanates from the edges of the bonnet and grille, the engine is overheating; if steam is given off over the entire wet panel of the bonnet, then it's completely usual and nothing to be concerned about.

There's a technical difference between engine overheating and undercooling, but I'll save that for another day.
Thanks.
It seemed to be off the actual panel.
 

Willd

Veteran
Location
Rugby
It's normal if you have a Lotus Elise, as the radiator is mounted horizontally :wacko:

Used to cause great amusement in traffic jams in the wet ^_^ Mind you the bloody thing did overheat properly when the head gasket went :rolleyes:
 

Ming the Merciless

There is no mercy
Location
Inside my skull
Did you remember to unplug the kettle before you set off?
 

rogerzilla

Legendary Member
It happens in very specific circumstances. I remember it once when I was stuck in the queue for Newnham Park in 1994 to watch the MTB Worlds. Sudden rain shower, bonnet warm from sitting with no airflow.
 

Andy_R

Hard of hearing..I said Herd of Herring..oh FFS..
Location
County Durham
Nothing worse than a steamy warm damp bonnet
1612818579889.png
 

biggs682

Touch it up and ride it
Location
Northamptonshire
Now this might possibly be the silliest question posted on here but here goes.
Earlier on I was stationary with the engine idling.
I had driven 10 miles.
It was raining.
I noticed steam rising off the bonnet.
My 1st thought was, engine is overheating but all dials etc were fine.
I cannot recall ever noticing that before.
Is it normal ??
My daughter asked me the same question a couple of weeks ago , I said as long as it's only mist and not smoke it will be fine.

Levels checked next time I saw her and all ok
 
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