1999 Ford Taurus Low Coolant

LITTLELORRILEE

MEMBER
1999 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
126,000 MILES

The low coolant light comes on after traveling approx. 100 miles and I can smell hot coolant. The temperature gauge does not increase. I had the radiator flushed last month - didn't help. I had the system pressure tested yesterday and they found no leaks. The coolant is going somewhere, because I keep adding it. Any ideas?

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 AT 1:57 PM

5 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Notice any white smoke coming from exhaust? Check your engine oil, is it milky? May have a cracked head gasket or cracked head.

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Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 AT 2:14 PM

LITTLELORRILEE

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No white smoke. I have the oil changed every 3K or so miles and ck the oil regularly - its clean.

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Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 AT 2:33 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

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Check around water pump for wet spots

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Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 AT 2:39 PM

LITTLELORRILEE

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No wet spots either, now the problem is worse. I barely got my car started this morning (acted like it had bad gas). When it finally started - it drove fine (no sputtering). 2 1/2 hrs later it wouldn't start. It acts like it wants to turn over, but just not getting enough gas. Do you think this problem is a coincidence? Or, maybe does it help with diagnosing my low coolant problem?

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Monday, February 1st, 2010 AT 11:51 AM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Low coolant wouldn't cause a no start situation unless you drove the vehicle with low / no coolant and engien overheated. Were any check engine lights on or was temp. Gauge showing overheating?

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