Overheating

RICKKIRKLAND

MEMBER
2002 MERCURY VILLAGER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
125,000 MILES

Engine idled for five to ten minutes with no overheat. When driving it will overheat within ten minutes. Radiator was cracked and replaced. Thermostat replaced. Mechanic checked water pump and stated that it looked okay and felt smooth while rotating it. Re-installed it. Replaced temperature sending unit. Burped cooling system. Ran engine until thermostat opened and then shut off. Disconnected top radiator hose and restarted. Water was being pumped out of the hose but in spurts. Refilled and run again with same symptoms. Pressure tested radiator and cooling system. Held pressure all night. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. This is my seventy four year old mother-in-law's vehicle and she is stranded at home!

3 Replies

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I am Danny.

I have a question. Did the mechanic check the operation of the electric fan(s) to see if they were operating properly or at all? Also, was the coolant temperature sensor checked?
Danny-

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Thursday, June 28th, 2018 AT 2:41 AM

RICKKIRKLAND

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Yes, he said they came on and run like they are supposed to. He replaced the coolant temperature sensor. He said he removed the water pump and it "looked" good, so he put it back on. I would have probably replaced it if I took the time to take it off. He said it idles and runs smooth when cool and when hot, so he did not think it was the head, head gasket or block. I asked him to make sure they installed the thermostat in the correct direction because I had read it was a little different in this vehicle. He still thinks it is a water-flow issue but is not sure why. I do not know if the crossover tubes could "go bad" and cause it?

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Thursday, June 28th, 2018 AT 9:42 AM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hi Danny here. Well, it sounds like pretty much everything was replaced in the cooling system except the water pump. Even if it looks okay maybe an internal problem exists. There can also be the possibility of a defective thermostat.

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Thursday, June 28th, 2018 AT 4:17 PM