2003 Escort

ALIBEAR626

MEMBER
2003 FORD ESCORT
6 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
97,000 MILES

Just reciently purchased a 2003 manual zx2. When practicing getting going and shifing the enginge would overheat badly enough for the coolant to boil in both the coolant reservoir and the radiator as well and will gush coolant from the bottom (we are assuming), but only would gush after overheating other wise it may only drip from time to time. Could it just be the shifting improperly and over working the engine? And what would cause it to loose coolant only after it has overheated to much?

Thanks

1 Reply

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

The rad cap sounds like it is doing its job by releasing pressure into the overflow bottle. Then the bottle overflows and thus on the ground.
My issue is the overheating. I am afraid you have damaged the head and/or gasket from the overheating. You need a shop to do a special test that is called a leak down test. It will confirm the integrity of the head gasket. I think you will be looking at the gasket being damaged. It is very expensive repair, that is about 1200 or so depending on the damage.
After this is repaired, you still need to find the reason for the overheat. Remember, this is a result of the overheat, not the cause. It may be the thermostat, water pump or a clogged radiator.
In the meantime, I suggest you not drive the car until you repair it.

Roy