[cgthepharaoh]

Greetings ! 1999 Astro here! Vans been sitting for almost a year after radiator blew .. finally got around to swapping to an aluminum one from eBay . Also swapped thermostat / housing . Upon filling coolant and starting the vehicle up to burp , white smoke started coming from the engine (doghouse side) .. I frantically turned it off and now I’m here typing this. I know the potentials , but not exactly what I should do. Should I fire it back up and continue to purge the air out of radiator ? And hope it’s just some excess fluid burning off somewhere ? Or should I be more concerned … I have a video I can post if able , couldn’t figure out how to add videos to post

 

[WoodButcher]

"Doghouse side" meaning back? Do you have the doghouse open?

 

[cgthepharaoh]

"Doghouse side" meaning back? Do you have the doghouse open?

Yes ! Doghouse was off and light smoke was coming off engine ( couldn’t tell exactly where , its windy and the fan was on)

 

[cgthepharaoh]

Yes ! Doghouse was off and light smoke was coming off engine ( couldn’t tell exactly where , its windy and the fan was on)

Took this screenshot of a video I took

 

[bryancraftyhands]

I don't see anything in this pic.
That tells me it's not heavy, whatever you see.
After sitting a year, maybe you are just burning off some cobwebs?
(One can hope!)
If you see no new obvious leaks, (including exhaust) it really could just be some old residue burning off.
I would go about making sure everything is topped off and air bled as planned, then let run for some time to see if the smoke burns off and if not determine where it is coming from at the same time.

 

[WoodButcher]

I would go about making sure everything is topped off and air bled as planned, then let run for some time to see if the smoke burns off and if not determine where it is coming from at the same time.

There ya go, You said the prior radiator failed, if it sprayed inside the engine compartment you'll have an antifreeze/ oil mix and a years worth of cobwebs. Spraying hot water over an oily engine will create a wonderful slimy mix that never burned off.
Run it. bring it up to temp, get everything circulating and where it should be.
Put the van nose up, on ramps or jack stands as high as possible as it will help to get the air out of the cooling system. Sitting for a year you will have air pockets.
Do not allow the motor to overheat!

 

[cgthepharaoh]

There ya go, You said the prior radiator failed, if it sprayed inside the engine compartment you'll have an antifreeze/ oil mix and a years worth of cobwebs. Spraying hot water over an oily engine will create a wonderful slimy mix that never burned off.
Run it. bring it up to temp, get everything circulating and where it should be.
Put the van nose up, on ramps or jack stands as high as possible as it will help to get the air out of the cooling system. Sitting for a year you will have air pockets.
Do not allow the motor to overheat!

So another reason I halfly posted this was because my obd port wasn’t connecting to my scan tool after shutting the van off. Was thinking it could have something to do with the ground from swapping thermostat. Rain finally went away today, so I first checked the wires connecting obd port and wiggled them around and got it to work again (guess it was loose from testing the van previously). Either way, it’s working now and shows no codes or anything! Think this and your comment gave me the motivation to fire it back up. LETS SAY I do continue to see minor smoke when firing it up again , at what point should I be concerned ? Lol .. and thank you for the help, I’m 23 and this is my first real build! Every piece of knowledge helps

 

[MechBob]

Smell it. If no smell, might be just condensation. If like burnt plastic, possibly wires burning. If smells like your moms roast beef, probably oil from valve covers burning off the exhaust manifolds, if sweet, then is coolant.

 

[WoodButcher]

The residue from overheating should burn off in a few minutes after it gets to operating temp.
How dirty / greasy is your engine? After it gets up to temp and seems ok jump in and go for a test around the block. Leave the doghouse off and check for leaks and smoke often.

 

[cgthepharaoh]

It’s pretty damn greasy aha . But sounds good ! Tomorrow if it’s not raining I’ll fire it up and continue to bleed the air out of system and watch any smoke. I’ve always just squeezed the hoses a bit here and there and fill until topped off. Any advice besides that? I don’t have any ramps yet unfortunately, only 1 floor Jack

 

[bryancraftyhands]

Do you have jack stands? If not lifting it isn't entirely necessary, but it helps.

 

[cgthepharaoh]

Do you have jack stands? If not lifting it isn't entirely necessary, but it helps.

No, my neighbor lets me borrow his on occasion..need to get my own soon. For now I just have a floor Jack and a smaller normal Jack (I have a ford focus as well, I really use them for that car). So far I’ve just crawled under the van and started wrenching lol.

 

[bryancraftyhands]

Have you ever heard of cribbing?

 

[cgthepharaoh]

Have you ever heard of cribbing?

Nope! I just looked it up on YouTube, and I’m definitely going to have to build a set though!

 

[bryancraftyhands]

Nope! I just looked it up on YouTube, and I’m definitely going to have to build a set though!

I only suggest it because if one looks, usually some used old 4x4 or 6x6 lumber can be found about to be thrown away. It can be cut in blocks and used in lieu of jack stands if they are not available. It is also good if working on an unpaved surface.
If you can get jack stands, they are easier, and can be placed on thick plywood if on unfinished surfaces.