I have a '97 Ford Contour GL (2.0L 4-Cyl) that's been having problems with overheating. I changed the thermostat, drained and backflushed both the radiator and heater core (no signs of any blockage) and after hooking everything back up, it actually overheats even faster than before. Reservoir is filled to the max and the system just won't burp/bleed. Pressure on the lower hose seems low as does pressure on the heater inlet/outlet hoses. There doesn't seem to be *any* pressure in the upper radiator hose, but it does get hot... from steam. I noticed this after pulling the hose off a good 20 minutes after it last overheated. The hose was bone dry. I tested the thermostat by boiling it in a pot of water and it opens and closes just fine. Engine seems to run strong and sound fine, but there is some grayish (with a tinge of brown) smoke that comes from the exhaust when I rev it up to about 3k RPMs. Maybe the beginnings of a leaking head gasket as well? Help! :)
2006-10-29
10:19:51
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11 answers
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asked by
spelunker
2
in
Maintenance & Repairs