1994 Ford Escort engine temperature

Tiny
CURIOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 FORD ESCORT
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 150,000 MILES
My escort runs in the high normal range on warm days--just wondering if this is normal or do I have cooling problem.
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009 AT 8:52 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
ZACKMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,202 POSTS
How high? Past midway? Is it close to the middle, or closer to HOT? Past 3/4 mark?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, June 4th, 2009 AT 3:07 AM
Tiny
CURIOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It goes past the three quarter mark--I'd say about seven eighths
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, June 4th, 2009 AT 8:58 AM
Tiny
ZACKMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,202 POSTS
Something is not right. Your temp gauge should register between 1/4 to 1/2. Unless your gauge is defective, do this.

The next time it occurs
1. Open the hood. Feel the heat. Is it "normal" heat? If something is wrong, you can usually "feel" and "smell" the heat
2. Check the coolant level, proper strength (50/50 mix) and quality
3. Check radiator fans operation
4. Check radiator cap. (Don't open it, HOT). Make sure that it is tight, and you don't see any moisture around the cap
5. Check your coolant reservoir bottle for possible bubbling. Oops, never mind. You wont be able to see anything unless you remove the driver side wheel well cover.
6. The least expensive repair would be to replace the thermostat. If it has not been done in the past year, I would start with that.
7. If that doesn't help, perform a compression test for possible head gasket leak.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, June 6th, 2009 AT 12:36 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links