2001 Ford Windstar cooling

CHANCEY TRAVELER

MEMBER
2001 FORD WINDSTAR
3.6L
V6
FWD
AUTOMATIC
105,149 MILES

It's losing anti-freeze somewhere ~? Can't tell if it's near the head or manifold ~? I have been able to drive it under 60 mph and it runs around mid way of gauge, But when I exceed 60 mph, it tries to run up towards the red line but I simply slow down and it goes bck down to mid-range ~ which I guess is normal operating range. During this I can hear the cooling fans kick on, which they never did this, unless I had been driving for several hours~? There is a linkage part missing between 2 linkage parts on the top of the head area, where it looks like it must have broke and fell off or disintegrated and got blown away, ~? Whatever~? I'm sure it connected two small 1/8 " metal connecting rods, which when lifted up face each other from the elbows~?~? The check engine light has been on for 2 wks now but the cooling light has never shown there to be a problem with it running hot ~?~? After driving for 5-10 min, I can smell anti-freeze odor inside.I've been adding new 50/50 antifreeze when I have to drive it further than 3-4 miles or into town 28mi away. It seems to be losing coolant over a period of operating mileage. I have filled the coolant tank to the "cool level" mark, after it has cooled thoroughly several times, looking under to see if it is leaking out but have not been able to see any leaks ~? U are the experts so help me with this please ! Thanks

1 Reply

FREEMBA

MECHANIC
1,152 POSTS

Please have your cooling system pressure tested as soon as you can. During this procedure the tech will pressurize the cooling system (while the engine is cool), and look in various places for coolant leaks.
Call ahead to some shops in your area to see how much they charge for this procedure.

It is well worth the money (if the price is reasonable), because if you run this engine hot it will likely warp the cylinder heads and that damage will cost a lot more to repair.
While you're at it have him to look at the "linkage part missing between 2 linkage parts on the top of the head area."

Wish I could tell you exactly what is leaking on your car, but without being able to visually inspect it, I would be guessing. Guessing wrong could cause you to spend money unnecessarily; so I don't do it.