Over-heating I've been putting anti-freeze and noticed it is leaking out

RAH1955

MEMBER
1994 FORD EXPLORER

My '94 Ford Explorer is over-heating. I've been putting anti-freeze and noticed it is leaking out. The gauge on the dashboard goes erratic, from normal to high, then back to mid-way of being normal. I have resolved to just using water, after spending lots of money on anti-freeze, which seems to just leak out. It has stabilized, but now it just leaks through. What is the problem, please?

Monday, September 1st, 2008 AT 5:09 PM

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

An engine can overheat due to low coolant level as well as several other factors like a stuck closed thermostat, bad water pump, faulty radiator, issue with the cooling fan etc.
Since you are experiencing leak, the first step would be to inspect and determine where the leak is coming from and repair.
Coolant can leak from the radiator, any of the hoses, water pump gasket, thermostat housing etc.

Here is a helpful guide that goes over what to look for:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

The gauge on the dash could be simply reacting to the overhearing of the engine.

Let me know your findings.
Thank you.

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