intermittent steam from exhaust

[gimme789]

My 1995 4runner ( v6, 3vze) had been sitting for about 8 months because of a fuel line leak. I finally got around to fixing the fuel line. Started it up and seemed OK. Drove it a couple days, and then one morning I noticed some steam from exhaust. Didn't think too much of it, as it stopped. Drove car on & off for a week, never saw any steam. Today, saw some steam & running rough.

Questions :

1) If head gasket is blown, wouldn't I see steam ALL the time ?

2) Could a warped head cause intermittent steam/leak ?

3) Could a blown EGR valve exhibit these symtpoms ?

4) Any other causes for intermittent steam / rough running ?

I'm keeping fingers crossed that head gasket is OK.

I can provide more info as I get a chance to look at it.

Thanks in advance.

 

[CodeButcher]

Does it constantly smoke (white), or just when it's warming up? Also how cold (near freezing) in your area?

It might just be normal condensation in your exhaust. Check you coolant levels and you oil for water mixture (mayonaise). Usually it's the #6 cylinder (rear cylinder, drivers side) that gets blown out. You may want to get a compression test on that cylinder.

 

[fourwd1]

Burning coolant has a real sweet smell, in addition to being white.
How does it smell?
And no, you may not necessarily see white smoke all the time.

 

[Beanzermin]

steam from the exhaust in the morning or when you first start the truck when its cold outside, is normal. nothing to worry about.

 

[gimme789]

I have only seen the steam twice, and it was only when starting up, temperature was around 32 F (freezing).

The steam seems to go away after the engine is warm.

The engine is running rough too. The #1 cylinder seems to be the culprit, even though it is getting spark. Removing the plug wire at the cap seems to have no effect on how the engine is running.

I fear a crack in #1 cylinder.

Will run a bit and check oil / antifreeze.

 

[fourwd1]

It could just be a bad plug or plug wire, or distributor cap.
Eliminate the simple stuff first.

 

[gimme789]

Had the 4runner in for inspection at my local garage.

He said the steam was due to Valve Seals gone bad (dried up), and
that could also make it run rough. He also said that there is no way
to fix it other than take the engine apart.

I am relieved that its not the head gasket. It runs a little rough, but it runs well enough.

Does anyone know of anyway to help the Valve Seals short of taking the engine apart ?

thanks