Fume found under the hood

[dougwoods]

Hi all:

I have a 1996 Pontiac Grand AM (GT, V6, 3.1 liter). I like it even though it is pretty old. Yesterday I found little fume came out of the hood when I was driving on a local road. The fume didn't come out right after I started the engine. Instead, a few miles after I drove at a speed of 40 miles/per hour. I found the fume coming out of a place behind the engine (maybe close to the transmission box, I dun know). I took a picture for this and marked a fume emission area as a red circle (see attached picture).

Later, I checked my engine and transmission oil. Every thing looks normal though little leaking was found beneath the car (it is an old problem and has lasted for years). I don't find high temperature from the engine, nor unusual noise from the engine.

Could any of you give a hint how the fume may be resulted? What cost shall I have to pay if I need to fix this problem?

Thank you in advance.

Doug

 

[melsg5]

Have you checked your coolant level when the engine is cold? Do the fumes smell like antifreeze? Is the leak you have dripping onto the exhaust?

 

[dougwoods]

Yes, I did that and refilled coolant after I found it was low. I think the smell like oil and didn't pay attention on if coolant dripping on the exhaust. Thank you for your tips.