I live in an area where having a lowered car really doesn't go well.

There have been times when I bottom out, mind you my drop isn't severe, but there's not much I can do and I drive as little as possible.

Anyways, it started when I noticed my fan that cools the engine when it's warm(usually comes on in the summer) that keeps blowing after you shut the car off. I noticed it was running and it's 50 degrees outside.

I didn't think a TON of it I have a lot going on, so then later on I notice smoke coming from the hood. Open it up, it's not perfuse smoking but it is there. Looked under the car, noticed something dripping, didn't see the color of the fluid it was dark. I'm going to look under it tomorrow.

My fear is a cracked radiator or something, I looked at the temperature gauge when I took it back and it was fluxuating pretty heavily, didn't go all the way up, but it's never been over the midway point, not even close.

1996 Honda Accord LX Sedan.

Thoughts/Suggestions are appreciated.

Also, the smoke had a certain smell to it, pretty certain it wasn't water leaking, but can't be 100% on it.

TIA.

 

does it have a musty smell? if so, its ur radiator. mine has been leaking fer a few months now, cracked at the top, but i jus keep fillin it with water. temp gauge still doesn't go above half way mark, altho i still need to get it fixed, but its not a must do right now. but more then likely it is the radiator. and was it smoke, or steam? cuz there is a difference. mine has steam, cuz the water leaks on the radiator, not smoke.

 

Yeah it has a musty smell, it's kind of hard to describe.

And to tell you if it were steam or smoke, that's kind of hard to differentiate.

I don't think it would be damaged from the top, if anything from the bottom.

 

mines cracked at the top.

 

Then again I'm thinking I busted a radiator hose or heater hose since I don't drive it often and the weather has been much colder.

I'll see.

 

Little hole in the side of the top radiator hose, phew.