Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Engine Tech => Topic started by: mcb82gt on May 25, 2009, 10:00:52 PM

Title: coolant overflow issue
Post by: mcb82gt on May 25, 2009, 10:00:52 PM
The other day, parked my car and went into the store.  When I came out, there was a large stream of coolant running from my car. 

I didnt see any leaking from the radiator, when I checked the overflow tank, it was full to the lid and running out.

I drove it home and checked it again, it was back down.

Any ideas on this?
Title: coolant overflow issue
Post by: V8Demon on May 25, 2009, 10:02:37 PM
Possible sticking thermostat.
Title: coolant overflow issue
Post by: Thunder Chicken on May 25, 2009, 10:27:05 PM
Or missing fins from the radiator. Or a bad clutch fan. Missing fins would cause overheating at all times, moreso on the highway, while a bad clutch fan would cause overheating in city traffic. Could also be a clogged radiator.

Or your overflow tank was overfilled to begin with (never fill it higher than the "max cold" line - there's a reason Ford didn't make that mark at the top of the tank). If your tank wasn't overfilled your car is overheating, and you'll need to find out why.
Title: coolant overflow issue
Post by: mcb82gt on May 25, 2009, 10:37:14 PM
The overflow tank was never overfilled, just to the cold line.

I have the digital dash, it never read warmer than normal.  Are they very accurate?
Title: coolant overflow issue
Post by: Live Fast on May 25, 2009, 11:57:33 PM
I just had the same problem with my car. I swapped the thermostat and havent had a problem since. I would be willing to bet thats whats wrong with your car.
Title: coolant overflow issue
Post by: thunderjet302 on May 26, 2009, 11:52:27 AM
Quote from: Thunder Chicken;274351


Or your overflow tank was overfilled to begin with (never fill it higher than the "max cold" line - there's a reason Ford didn't make that mark at the top of the tank). If your tank wasn't overfilled your car is overheating, and you'll need to find out why.


I did that once by accident. I filled it about 3 inches past the line as I wasn't paying attention. After a few passes at the track some came out. I haven't had a problem since I got the extra out:hick:
Title: coolant overflow issue
Post by: Thunder Chicken on May 26, 2009, 01:02:53 PM
Track officials must have loved that... :mullet:
Title: coolant overflow issue
Post by: thunderjet302 on May 26, 2009, 03:11:06 PM
Quote from: Thunder Chicken;274448
Track officials must have loved that... :mullet:


No one said anything. I only noticed some came out after a run where I raised the hood to cool down the engine (the engine was at the normal operating temp but raising the hood after a run is pretty much standard pratice at the track) . I noticed the overflow tank was wet. Then I realized that it was because the coolant expanded as the engine got hot and pushed that extra I had in there out. No one spun out after my run so I must not have made a big mess :mullet:
Title: coolant overflow issue
Post by: Haystack on May 26, 2009, 08:25:08 PM
My car has a small leak in the heater core hoses. They will leak very little and then just out of no where 3 weeks after I put water in and drove it 6 days a week, it would overheat. I could have swore I had a head gasket issue, till one day after a long trip I could see the coolant doing one or two drops a minute while the car was stopped and cooling down. After I restarted it, It was alittle bit more constant.