Mystery engine bay steam / smoke + splatter [2002 v70 2.4T]

[TheMrFailz]

Was recording with my camera in various spots around the car (dead center under, by the tailpipe, engine bay, etc.) while sitting today partially because I wanted to hear what it sounded like with the stock exhaust there and partially because I wanted to make sure there wasn't anything wonky going on. While watching the videos I noticed that while quickly tap-revving it in quick succession that there was a bit of smoke / steam coming up from the intake side front corner of the block area. Additionally, I noticed while recording from just under the front bumper that there was a splatter-like rust spot. Searching into it further there was a bigger splat that was slightly rusty on the upper side of this spot right under where the smoke was coming from (and was ever so slightly damp, although it seemed to have dried relatively quickly).






Interesting bit starts just after 1:22. Youtube's taking it's sweet time to trim it.

I'm not sure what it is and I'm worried that it's a sign of something more serious. Car has 182k miles on it. As far as I can tell there aren't any obviously apparent leaks anywhere above it.

[prwood]

My first guess based on its location is a leaking hydraulic engine mount (the black curve that dips down toward the spatter in the second photo). Second guess would be leaking power steering pressure hose which descends right above the spatter.

Check your power steering fluid level for one way to rule out a leak there.

[TheMrFailz]

My first guess based on its location is a leaking hydraulic engine mount (the black curve that dips down toward the spatter in the second photo). Second guess would be leaking power steering pressure hose which descends right above the spatter.

Check your power steering fluid level for one way to rule out a leak there.

Fluid's a hair bit low (sitting at cold when hot) but that's probably due to my reservoir-hose hookup on the bottom not being the greatest despite my best tightening efforts. I checked the PS hose and although it had a bit of black cheese on it around the fitting that goes from the metal line to the rubber line, it was mostly dry and certainly not anything new especially when compared to whatever's leaked out of the PS reservoir hookup.

Starting to wonder if the steam's from the radiator(s).

[jonesg]

My first guess based on its location is a leaking hydraulic engine mount (the black curve that dips down toward the spatter in the second photo). Second guess would be leaking power steering pressure hose which descends right above the spatter.

Check your power steering fluid level for one way to rule out a leak there.

Fluid's a hair bit low (sitting at cold when hot) but that's probably due to my reservoir-hose hookup on the bottom not being the greatest despite my best tightening efforts. I checked the PS hose and although it had a bit of black cheese on it around the fitting that goes from the metal line to the rubber line, it was mostly dry and certainly not anything new especially when compared to whatever's leaked out of the PS reservoir hookup.

Starting to wonder if the steam's from the radiator(s).

Maybe get a pressure tester.

[precopster]

A very popular (if I can be sarcastic) leak is from the turbo oil feed pipe at the rear of the engine where it enters the block.

When they leak they can squirt engine oil on to the exhaust and onto the right side drive shaft which then flicks the oil upwards as it rotates.

Also the fake plug at the top of the engine can leak onto the exhaust.

[TheMrFailz]

A very popular (if I can be sarcastic) leak is from the turbo oil feed pipe at the rear of the engine where it enters the block.

When they leak they can squirt engine oil on to the exhaust and onto the right side drive shaft which then flicks the oil upwards as it rotates.

Also the fake plug at the top of the engine can leak onto the exhaust.

Right side as in driver's side?

[jonesg]

A very popular (if I can be sarcastic) leak is from the turbo oil feed pipe at the rear of the engine where it enters the block.

When they leak they can squirt engine oil on to the exhaust and onto the right side drive shaft which then flicks the oil upwards as it rotates.

Also the fake plug at the top of the engine can leak onto the exhaust.

Right side as in driver's side?

Looks to me the smoke is coming from the intake side, is it?

[precopster]

Right is right as you are facing the same way as the car. If I say driver's side in a LHD environment then my LHD counterparts can't use this thread.