it's mid 90's ford taurus, and the owner said the car is "smoking" ( I presume it to be steam) and when I opened the overflow tank it was filled with a creamy, orangish/rusty looking foam. The tank did not have any actual liquid in it. I filled it with antifreeze and the problem still occured when it was driven again the next day. what would cause this? Could it be a leak in the cooling system or perhaps a faulty radiator cap?
2007-06-12 01:23:41 · 7 answers · asked by daisy6570 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
There are two different types of Antifreeze one is a green color and the other is a orange color. It sounds like the radiator overheated and it push the fluid into your overflow tank which it should do. The fact that it was "foamy" is not much of a concern because the radiator may have burned off most of the liquid.
I would look at a problem or leak in the radiator causing this. It could also be a thermostat in the radiator giving false readings or the cooling fans not working. I don't really think it is a engine problem.
Good luck!
2007-06-12 01:36:47 · answer #1 · answered by crazy_fuzzy_bunny 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You're not over filling the overflow tank are you? The tank needs to be filled to a certain level so it has room for expansion from the radiator as the engine warms up. You might try checking the tank with the engine cold, then check it again with the engine warm. The coolant level in the tank should be higher with the engine warm.
2016-05-18 00:34:39 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a bad head gasket or a cracked head. This is common on those cars, especially with the 3.8 engine. If you are looking to buy a car, this should not be the one you buy. It is an expensive repair. Most likely the cost of repair will exceed the value of the vehicle.
2007-06-12 01:44:02 · answer #3 · answered by fire4511 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It may be a cracked block or a blown head gasket. If this is the case you will have to have the engine replaced. What's happening is you are getting anti-freeze into your oil.
2007-06-12 01:30:33 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like head gasket. Ouch! The sooner you fix it the better. Try this try that but in the end head gasket!
2007-06-12 01:28:29 · answer #5 · answered by bob D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have a blown head gasket or cracked head..possibly even a cracked block.oil is getting in the cooling system.major problem
2007-06-12 18:24:08 · answer #6 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that is rusty water, meaning that there is not antifreeze in your car just. is u have leak
2007-06-12 01:30:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋