Do you have AAA?

 

I used to, back when I drove longer distances. Now since all my driving is local, I just keep the number of a tow service with me. Cheaper than the yearly fee.

 

Without offense to your friend Karma deals with that sort of behavior in it's own way---what goes around, comes around. From your description of his automotive "luck" he's kinda getting what he deserves if that "sell it to a sucker" MO is his usual course of doing business. I'd be more concerned for those he snookers into his deals.......

FWIW I've had three '97 and later E250's that also have the tailpipe "smoking" issue. Here in Ohio where humidity can vary greatly small wisps of steam are common when the van first starts. When it's parked and idling its not uncommon finding a small puddle directly below the tail pipe---a simple smell test shows its only condensation, nothing else. Smoke or a bit of steam isn't an issue unless it has a noticeable odor of burned oil, hot coolant or raw fuel.

YoGeorge touches upon a monumental point of trustworthy mechanics---those who find the real cause of a problem, the one less costly rather than just throwing your checkbook at it and "hoping" for the best. Your shop of choice has done that which says they're interested in helping you and not necessarily making the boat or Harley payment this week.

The idea of asking for assistance checking oil and coolant during refueling is also very sound----I can't imagine too many other men who'd not lend a had to anyone asking. Most of us "gear heads" relish the idea of helping someone and we rarely charge.

Also like YoGeorge and others hope this discovery is the end of motor issues for now----we're here to help if we can, don't be shy about asking!

 

Thanks JWA. Yeah, my friend Kim is getting what he deserves. He lost one car because an elderly person confused the gas and brake, just gunned their car in a parking lot and rammed right into him. He lost another car coming around a blind turn and hit a cow. The world is out to get him! :-) And of course he never has any car insurance...

I hope this was just the sensor going bad and me coincidentally noticing the steam. Since I don't generally look at the tailpipe while starting the car, I suppose this could have been happening routinely and I never noticed.

The garage has good reviews on Yelp. They will get another from me.