RE: Is this fixable? Car Problems 101 *real time updated videos*
I think @streetstyle is on the right track. It doesn't look like smoke so much as steam as the coolant burns off the hot surfaces under the hood, especially the exhaust manifold.
Because it's toward the back, I'm guessing the heater hose. It probably has an nipple right at the firewall where you can disconnect it to replace it. It shouldn't be a hard job, just a new hose and a couple of clamps. but I'd replace both heater hoses as well as both radiator hoses, if you haven't in a while. Again, easy job - just hoses and clamps, and replace your coolant unless it looks pristine.
If you don't have one, pick up a Chiltons or other end-user tech manual. It'll walk you through the steps to replace all four lines. Might as well do the thermostat while you're at it.
Question: You said it ran rough when you first started it. After you filled it up with coolant, did it still run rough when first started? The lack of resistance caused by the coolant can cause that in some cars. We used to have a Camry that would act up a lot from low coolant, even though it wasn't overheating.
Check the smell too. See what the coolant overflow smells like? Is that the general smell you get coming off the steam/smoke? Burning coolant smells completely different than any burning oil.
yea it smelt like straight coolant
I have another update including my drive back and what happened the moment I turned the truck off, coming up in a bit.. UPDATE #3 ON TOP
Yea it ran rough the past couple of days... out of nowhere, before then it was running fine. I was supposed to get my inspection done last week and the day I was going to take it.. the check engine light came on.. unsure if it was related but here we are, lol. The has been shaky the past couple days and then last night happened. After refilling the coolant earlier today.. the shakiness was gone and the truck ran smooth as if there were no problems. I got home fine and it didn't act up whatsoever on the drive back.. only a mile or so back to the house
That's encouraging that it ran smoother.
On these straight blocks, I don't know how the water flows around the head. It's possible that there's a gasket leak, which could be a little serious, depending on whether the gasket simply failed or if there's structural damage. Your mechanic neighbor should be able to see that better. That's a little bit of a concern, though I still think it's hoses.
It makes sense for it to act up more when you shut it off. While it's running, the coolant is cooling and then flowing over the block. When you first shut it off, the heat from engine will initially heat the coolant in the block significantly, since it's not moving anymore. This builds up some pressure.
Without seeing the actual coolant coming out, it's tough to diagnose. Hopefully it's just the hoses though - probably the cheapest and easiest fix.
How was the color of your oil on your dipstick? Was it still nice and honey colored (or maybe black on older cars)? If it turns grey, even a little, don't start it again until you have a mechanic check it out thoroughly. Grey/silver oil signifies coolant in the oil = no bueno.
Great info and knowledge.. I gotta pic of the oil stick coming your way.. it's dark tho
Dark is fine. In older cars it doesn't stay as clean. It should be a consistent color, no silver/grey, no metal shavings and shouldn't smell burnt. Some on the stick, where it passes the manifold (or block), will smell burnt. But the fresh stuff at the end shouldn't. It should just smell like hot oil. As long as you're changing regularly, you're good.
Remember when doctors used to rely on smell to help make diagnoses? Nah, me neither, but they did. :P
yea, it's in need of an oil change too