I have a 98 Mercury Mountaineer. Tonight, the check engine light came on and I checked the heat gauge, and it was hot. I pulled over right away to let it cool. I checked to see if there was coolant in the reservoir, which there was.
Next I checked the bottom radiator hose which was lukewarm. I next checked the upper radiator hose which was hot. The hose that goes to the thermostat , to the water pump was also hot.
There was no notice of water on the ground, or from the pump itself as when they are ready to go, they seep anti freeze. I drove it home, and the heat gauge was a little above half way, and going up. I didn't have far to go, so it was okay to go the last half mile to home. I also did not see any white smoke from the rear, and when I checked the oil level in the engine it is right where it was suppose to be. I have had on occasion had a car that a head gasket broke and anti freeze leaked into the oil pan. I see no evidence of this on this vehicle tho.
I let it set at home for about an hour and then went out with a glove and took the cap off. There was no pressure on the radiator, so no fluid came out, but the radiator was full. I checked the heat gauge again and it was still at half way. The fan and the pulley also ran so I don't think the fan is a problem. I just checked the heat gauge now, and it is just above the C. What could be the problem? Is it the pump, or maybe a stuck thermostat? Thanks.
Next I checked the bottom radiator hose which was lukewarm. I next checked the upper radiator hose which was hot. The hose that goes to the thermostat , to the water pump was also hot.
There was no notice of water on the ground, or from the pump itself as when they are ready to go, they seep anti freeze. I drove it home, and the heat gauge was a little above half way, and going up. I didn't have far to go, so it was okay to go the last half mile to home. I also did not see any white smoke from the rear, and when I checked the oil level in the engine it is right where it was suppose to be. I have had on occasion had a car that a head gasket broke and anti freeze leaked into the oil pan. I see no evidence of this on this vehicle tho.
I let it set at home for about an hour and then went out with a glove and took the cap off. There was no pressure on the radiator, so no fluid came out, but the radiator was full. I checked the heat gauge again and it was still at half way. The fan and the pulley also ran so I don't think the fan is a problem. I just checked the heat gauge now, and it is just above the C. What could be the problem? Is it the pump, or maybe a stuck thermostat? Thanks.
Jul 10, 2008 at 12:04 AM