will a slightly bent air filter cause major problems? such as my coolant steaming out near the back of the engine?

 

It shouldn't cause problems other than hurting airflow and thus performance. Coolant steaming out of the back of the engine probably means that you have a leak in a water hose. I hope it doesn't billow white smoke out of the exhaust as well.

 

just white steamy smoke out of the rear of the engine (the water hose i guess) will some leak stop stuff stop this or do i need to look for a new hose?

 

Find the leak and replace the hose if needed.

 

update!!!!!

it appears that there is white smoke coming from my tail pipes.

what do i need to do?

 

Considering the bent air filter question, you're going to need to find a mechanic.

 

well, you have the possibilty of a blown head gasket (BHG). Does it idle rough or anything else? There's a few sure tell signs of a BHG. Look in yor oil cap, does your oil look like choclate milk? is there oil in your coolant? You can also pick up a block combustion gas tester at Napa and see if there's combustion gases in your coolant. Good luck.

 

Check the oil and coolant as suggested but I also have to ask since you just noticed the white smoke. Does it continue to smoke or does it stop once the car gets up to temp?
It could be the cause of a blown head gasket but if you are lucky, it could just be condensation burn off.

 

That's a job that's easier said than done, but so is replacing the head gasket.

 

no my car doesn't run rough. used to because of a loose gas line though; fixed that.