I have a 94 lincoln continental with a 3.8 liter i have problems with the tempature gauge going up and down?

Question

I have problems with the temperature gauge going up and down it doesnt overheat but comes close also the heat doesnt work most of the time I have replaced the head gaskets water pump thermostat and radiator cap pretty much everything and it still does the same thing i recently store it for a year after i replaced the head gaskets and when I pulled it out of storage the temp gauge when to normal every day and i had heat for about 2 weeks the it started up with the same problems again no heat most of the time and the temp gauge goes up and down this has been an ongoing problem for 3 yrs and help would be much appreciated

Answer 1

Dodge mans answers are great but when you had the heads off,did you have them checked for cracks? Also are you sure that the coolant level is full? Do you ever hear a gurgling noise from the heater core? This could be a sign that exhaust is causing air pockets in cooling system.

Good grief, what is a thermostat pump?

Answer 2

i own a repair shop,and its possible the head gaskets may be on it wrong,,i have seen this happen before,,they have an up side,and a down side,,and most of the time will only work one way,but i have seen some strange things on vehicles before,its also possible that you may have a thermostat that just don't want to open up right,,new doesn't mean its right,i bought 3 in one day ,before i got a good one,,on the same day i also replaced the water pump twice,,parts are only as good as there maker,,and some aren't that good any more,,all i can tel you is start checking everything,,be patient,and try to rule things out as you go if your unsure ,replace it,,this how you repair things,,good luck hope this help,s.,,have a good x-mas.

Answer 3

get you car up to operation temp, and watch the hoses to see if the expand or collapsed, if they are staying consistent in size and your still having the problem, go to your local parts store and ask them for stuff to clean and flush out your system, follow the directions and then rinse out with fresh water, and put in a new thermostat and new coolant int he proper dilution..and also take the contact off the sending unit and clean both off with some sand paper and reattach and see if this helps..
it could also be you water pump, but leave that for the last thing you check

good luck

Answer 4

It sound as if you have air trapped in your cooling system. I would park the car with the nose slightly elevated if possible because air will travel to the top easier. Run the engine with the radiator cap off and watch for air to be released. Top of the cooling system as needed, replace the cap and drive it for a while. If you still have the problem, have your radiator cap pressure tested and also replace overflow tank cap. Most fords also use a heater control valve located on the intake manifold...may have to replace if all else fails.

Answer 5

Change the thermostat pump. These kind of cars are known for this common problems.

Answer 6

I know you replaced the thermostat already, but this is where I would begin. also make sure that your coolant level is at the proper level. you may have a leak. if those two check out, I would check the heater core.

if you need anything else, jsut let me know.

best regards,
logixautoparts.com

Answer 7

You replaced head gaskets on a guess? You have bigger problems than your temp gauge.

Answer 8

check your thermostat. take it out and heat it in on the stove in some wter with a thermometer and watch if it opens somewhere 165-185 degrees.

Answer 9

it sounds like a thermostat to me you may have more than one! i would do a flush and new thermostat again:)