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coolant overflow issue

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?
Mike

coolant overflow issue

Reply #1
Possible sticking thermostat.
-- 05 Mustang GT-Whipplecharged !!
--87 5.0 Trick Flow Heads & Intake - Custom Cam - Many other goodies...3100Lbs...Low12's!

coolant overflow issue

Reply #2
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.
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

coolant overflow issue

Reply #3
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?
Mike

coolant overflow issue

Reply #4
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.
1971 Camaro Blown 640ci
1988 T-Top Mustang
1980 Mustang coupe
1988 Thunderbird TurboCoupe
And a purple mini van! :burnout:

Previous Thunderbirds:
1988 Sport

coolant overflow issue

Reply #5
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:
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

coolant overflow issue

Reply #6
Track officials must have loved that... :mullet:
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

coolant overflow issue

Reply #7
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:
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

coolant overflow issue

Reply #8
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.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
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1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
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