White smoke appears from underneath the hood when heat and A/C is turned on

GRRUM

MEMBER
2004 KIA SORENTO
3.5L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

I can smell a sweet, scented smoke coming in through the vents. Recently replaced the radiator and hoping the problem would be fixed but nothing has changed. I think my vehicle fans stopped working after replacing the radiator a few months ago. Replacing the radiator was a pain in the butt and replacing the fans would be a greater pain. Would it be easier to take it into the shop or do a DIY project?

During winter days, I have been driving to school in the cold since I was afraid of turning on the heat and getting white smoke from underneath the hood. I don't know where else I can ask for help professionally around me. What should I do?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Hi,

Since you smell a sweet odor, it does sound like a coolant leak. Here is what I want you to do. Turn the heater on so the white smoke is present. I need you to check if it is coming from under the cowl. I attached a pic below showing the location of the cowl.

I suspect these are the original heater hoses, and they run under the cowl. There is one in particular that goes from the coolant reservoir to the heater core, and then to the rear of the engine. I have a feeling the leak is somewhere in that section of the hose.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)