Lincoln Town Car 1987 Radiator help please?

LIBBY342

MEMBER
1987 LINCOLN TOWN CAR

Hi,
this is my first post here so hope this is done right?

Here is the problem best that I can describe it, When I put water into my radiator it comes out like a facuet turned on underneath the car, I checked for the leaks and the best that I can see is the bottom fat hose that goes from the radiator into ( something) what ever that hose goes into seems to be leaking the hose that comes out the other end of that seems to be fine.

But I need to know what that bottom hose that goes from the radiator into this part is called or where that hose leads to we think it could be the cooling system? But guessing there.

I do seem to get heat into the car but as soon as the radiator goes dry, the heat then blows out cold.

I know we have to replace the radiator, but there seems to be no use to do that if we cant figure out where the bottom radiator hose leads to and what that is actually called to try to locate it first off?

Please if some one here can show me a diagram of what this part is and how we can possiably fix it I would very much appreciate it.

I cant drive the car out because as soon or as fast as I put the water into the radiator it pours out through what ever that hose attaches to in the middle of the car under the engine section is the best that I can describe this.
I do once again hope someone can assist me with this ASAP and tell me the steps on how to fix this, as this is my only transport to get the kids to and from school.
thanks everyone

libby342

7 Replies

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MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

It's probably going to the waterpump, You need to get in there and verif was it leaking. Waterpumps on these are meant for the skilled as bolts tend to break off on them.

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Monday, January 22nd, 2007 AT 5:08 PM

LIBBY342

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Hi,

thank you for taking the time to reply back to this post appreciate it. We went back under the car after I made this first post here today, and it seems that there is a long pan underneath the car? What is that called? It has a bunch of holes around it holding it in place, but I went a hunting online here and it looks like it could be called the oil pan? That is where the water seems to be gushing out from when we pour the water into the top of the radiator. But there doesn't seem to be no oil coming from that same pan?

Could it be deceiving to think that the water is coming from this pan but indeed the water pump being broke could be causing this gushing of water out as fast as you put it into the radiator?

Also how could I test to see if it is the water pump please?

I also read that it might be a freezeplug, but I am not again sure if this car has one of those or not? And if it does once again I have no clue as to where I would look to check that out. Also could it be a blown headgasket as another forum seemed to have describe similar issues as I was having but again I really need someone who knows a bit more on cars then me to please give me there advice as to again which way to proceed with this issue at hand.

Also please if I may ask if you have any pictures that you can provide me or steps as to how to go about to fix this I would very much once again appreciate any and all advice to proceed with.
Thank you once again for your reply and hope to here back from you soon on this request if you can further help me.

Libby342

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Monday, January 22nd, 2007 AT 9:55 PM

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Yes, that the oil pan, and also a stronger indication of the water pump. I'll try to locate some pics and conversley, You can take pics and post them.

Engine size?

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Tuesday, January 23rd, 2007 AT 5:24 AM

LIBBY342

MEMBER
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Hi again,
sorry for left out details, engine size v8 5.0litre 1986 lincoln town car, mileage around 83,000.
So far we recognize that the water pump is at the front of the engine, that part is definitely not leaking. The gushing water is coming from the back section of the engine somewhere between the engine and the dashboard. I've managed to get a much closer look from underneath and it seemed to be leaking from the oil pan seal but having been told if that was the case there should be oil mixed with the water it is possible that the leak is above the oil pan, can't see past the oil pan to give any more info, would there be another hose which can't be seen without taking the pan off? The leak must be fairly low because we only have to tip a small amount of water into the radiator and it comes straight out again behind the engine which we cannot see exactly where.
If it's the water pump obviously we need to have it done professional because of all the belts and timing etc. But if it's just an engine plug need replacing which can't be seen then we would rather do it ourselves, we've had so many people tell us what it could be from water pump to head gasket to oil pan to plug to cracked block so we just want to pinpoint exactly what or where all this water is coming from so we can then work out how much it will cost.
Very much appreciate all the feedback and help so far, do you think we should attempt to drop the oil pan so we can see further? Or would you now be able to have a well educated guess at what this could be from what i've now told you?
Thankyou in advance again, will check back later today.

Libby342

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Tuesday, January 23rd, 2007 AT 12:32 PM

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If we are now in the back of the engine, I would check heater hoses, head gasket off the top of my head, freeze plug. Get a small mirror if needbe, have 2 peaple, good lighting and a queit environment. One person adds as the other searches. Coolant leaks can be tricky. Don't pull the oil pan.