White Smoke coming from Passenger side

Hey All,
I’m currently in the market for a 4Runner and test drove a 2015 with 104k miles on it. The carfax looks good, general maintenance performed every 5k, one owner with no accidents.

I took it out for a test drive today and it felt and sounded great. However, when I came to a stop, I saw some white smoke coming from under the hood. When we got back to the auto shop, I popped the hood to check it out while the engine was still running. It was coming from the passenger side of the engine bay, close to the fire wall. When I tried to look closer, the smoke stopped so couldn’t tell exactly what was going on. I saw some fluid coming out of a disconnected hose, the mechanic said it was the AC drainage hose. The mechanic rev’d the engine resulting with no smoke.

At first, I agreed with the mechanic but I just have a weird feeling that I could be something else. I just spent the last two months fixing up my 2013 Passat TDI diesel (sensors, transmission leak and clogged intercooler) and don’t want to get into another project at this time.

Is this common with 4Runners and something I don’t have to worry about or is this possibly a coolant leak/oil leak?

I appreciate any help or advise you guys may provide.
Thanks

 

How the brakes look?

Also maybe valve cover leak? Had a honda before smoke only when stopping. Wouldn't leak when just revving.

 

Just pass on it. If you buy it you’ll forever be worried about what’s going to go wrong. Don’t underestimate the value of piece of mind.

 

Welcome.

It could be nothing (some residual water or chemicals from an engine cleaning) or it could be something (oil leak, coolant leak, etc). If you have a mechanic that you use and trust to go over it, they should be able to assess where the white smoke is originating from. If you have the budget, I always advocate for a new 4Runner.

 

Go with your gut.. I would pass until I knew what the cause was,water would create steam..smoke is usually
Some kind of oil based liquids. Did it have an odor? Antifreeze has a “sweet” smell..

 

This doesnt sound like a common problem I’ve ever heard of.

Knowing there’s a possible problem puts you in a better negotiating position. Offer them $5k to take that project car off their hands.

 

Here is a pic of the hose I’m speaking off.

Seemed like a weird place to have a drain if it’s going to make smoke. The mechanic said they could connect a hose to it so it doesn’t smoke any more but that just didn’t make sense hence why I’m here asking if this is normal.

I’m thinking the same as the rest of you, no point investing 25k into a truck that has potential issues.

Thanks for the help all

 

You sure you didn't buy it and now have regrets.

Guys already told you to walk.

The AC drain doesn't smoke.

 

Good call. Condensed water coming off a cold AC heat exchanger doesn’t smoke. The mechanic was either the salesman, or not really sure about how those things work.

 

Or the heater core is leaking and coolant is dripping out of the air box condensation vent…