Car running very hot but not overheating.

SALVAS-ONE

MEMBER
FORD CONTOUR

My 98 Ford, Contour with 144,000+ miles has been running abnormally hot lately. I brought it in for a checkup and they found nothing wrong. Said the computer was not reading as hot as the gage in the car.

The head gasket leak test was perfect, no leakage at all. The thermostat also checked out OK. If the water pump was getting tired you'ld think they would have told me.

I don't know what to think. If you think it is the water pump could you give me a ball park figure on how much it should cost to replace it?

Thank you for your time and consideration

3 Replies

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,753 POSTS

I wouldn't replace the water pump. The only way they fail and let you know is by starting to leak. Just watch the fluid levels and the ground around the vehicle. I am not that familiar with the contour as I really work on Hondas but an engine is an engine. Have you thought about replacing the temp sensor or did they check that as well. The guage only reads the temp sent to it but the sensor is responsible for finding the temp and passing it to the guage. Now you as the driiver should be able to recognize whether the guage itself has been acting different as in sticking a bit, reponding slower, etc. The last suggestion I have is don't overlook the radiator cap as it is responsible for regulating the overflow.

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Friday, November 3rd, 2006 AT 8:30 AM

SALVAS-ONE

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Bruce,

Thanks for your timely reply! I got lost trying to find my way back here so it took me a while to figure it our. Very frustrating.

I have thought about sensor but, when the car is hot after driving for a while (say 20 to 30 min), the car smells like it's hot. I'm sure you know the smell. Makes me nervous at consecutive stop lights or caught in med to heavy traffic. The fluid levels remain ok, there are no leaks. The Contour has no radiator cap per se. The system is pressurised through the overflow bottle. This also makes it difficult to see how well the system circulates. In the mean time I will probably buy a new sensor (if not to expensive) and give that a try.

If you can think of anything else I would appreciate the heads up, if not thank you for trying and the previous info.

Mike Salvas
Swansea, MA.

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Friday, November 10th, 2006 AT 8:57 PM

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