I had something similar and it's probably a long shot but there is this coolant hose on the back of the engine. Mine sprung a leak and was pissing right on the crossover exhaust pipe. It steamed like crazy but was cheap to fix. I guess it depends on if the smoke/steam was coming from the engine bay or exhaust pipe.

Frank

 

another 3.slow bites the dust man im kinda glad mine got totaled

 

its the head gasket. The water pump failing will not cause this. It will merely overheat to the point steam is pouring out from under the hood. Dont go wasting your time on a water pump.

Do a compression test. That will give you your answer. I can almost 100% gaurantee you will find either little/no compression in a cylinder, or very high compression from all the water leaking in.

This EXACT same thing happened to my mom. Thick white smoke pouring from the exhaust. Blew the pass side head gasket, and it took the head and block with it.

I meant to get back to your PM Dan, and I shall. I have been a bit busy lately. For the record, we just got in a complete 99 4RUnner with a 5sp and about 103K on the engine. Its still a complete together running truck.

 

Yeah if you have steam coming out of the exhaust you have a blown head gasket for sure. There is just no other way water can get into the exhaust.

Frank

 

Just a thought ..
Could the head gasket still be blown if a compression test doesn't show any signs of it? Maybe blown to the outside rather than the inside. isnt the 3.0 notorious for blowing out on # 6 to the outside? Don't exactly know how this is helping you idanity. so maybe a lil hijack

 

your compression would still be bad, as its allowing coolant into the cylinder(s). That means air is also getting OUT of the cylinders. Hence why the coolant is all foamed up.

 

alright

i will do some homework on what is involved in the 3.4 swap and money needed.

since i have the 4banger and my bmw i will do it slow and easy.
are there any houses for rent by Nix