97 Quest engine started to steam a lot

[Lookin2learn]

While driving my engine it started to steam a lot when I stopped at a pitcher on the driver’s side towards the front area, I think it’s steam but it has a chemical like smell and puts off more after I press the gas pedal. I don’t want to take it to a mechanic without having some sort of idea what is wrong with it and I am hoping someone can give me an idea. Please, this will really help me. In the pictures I circled the general area where it is coming from. Thank you very much! It is a 97 quest.

[AZhitman]

Sounds like a coolant leak - Wait for it to cool down, check your radiator level.

If it's low, a simple pressurization test of the cooling system will show where it's leaking.

[Lookin2learn]

Sounds like a coolant leak - Wait for it to cool down, check your radiator level.

If it's low, a simple pressurization test of the cooling system will show where it's leaking.

Thank you for the information! So far my coolant level hasn’t gone down and after checking the hoses nothing seems to be leaking. The last time I started it the engine immediately began to smoke a little from there area, it seems to be coming from underneath the black hose that is circled and after checking I found no signs of leaking and the clamp is still snug and tight.

[Stinky123]

Pressurize it to 20#.

If you don't find a leak....you don't have one.

You can also put UV dye in the coolant.

How many miles on it?

Where are you? I am in Western Co, and my son just totaled our '96

[Lookin2learn]

I am in California, I just took it to the mechanic and they couldn’t locate what the problem is. They did a pressure test and checked all the hoses plus the thermostat and all were good. So far it has been smoking every time that I drive for a little but when the mechanic took it for a drive it didn’t smoke.. They said the knock sensor might need attention but didn’t say much more. Thank you for the information, all is helpful and much appreciated.