Lexus Repair: 96 Lexus ES 300 - Steam from exhaust, losing coolant, lexus es 300

Question
I just bought a used 96 ES300 with 25,000 miles on it - yes 25,000.

I am concerned that at certain times there seems to be exceesive steam (white and quickly evaporates - not like smoke).

When the engine is cold, I get the normal steam from the exhaust pipe - it seems normal.

When the engine is fully warmed (10 minutes or so) there is very little visable steam - if any.

But in the interim while the engine is warming, if I hit the accelerator hard, I at times get a large cloud of steam from the exhaust - it doesn't seem normal.

I am not losing large amounts of coolant - it seems to staying within the min max lines depending on whether I check it hot or cold. AM am not driving it much to stay under the warranty limit.

I brought it to the dealer (Honda) where I bought it(3,000 mile warranty) and they said they didn't see it and if I am not losing coolant, they don't think its a problem.

I am concerned it may be a head gasket or cracked head that swells when heated and reseals. Or it may be a water temo actuated vacuum contolled valve somewhere that has a leak in the housing.

Or may it is normal like the dealer is indicating.

Any thoughts or similar complaints?

Thanks
Blaise Turi

Answer
Hello Blaise, It coud be just condensation building up inside the exhaust then burning off as it warms up. The only problem that I see that is somewhat like it is valve guide seals which smoke only on first start up usually first thing in the morning.