Mystery Bolt and Cougar overheating

FRIARBUBBA

MEMBER
1993 MERCURY COUGAR
6 CYL
AUTOMATIC

Have a 1993 (Oct.1993 manu. Date) Mercury Cougar 6 cylinder that has started overheating. Replaced t-stat, helped but still does it. Have read that this particular model has a "burping" issue, and noticed a bolt over the t-stat locating with a big yellow rubber ring that say "remove before install, replace after radiator fill". No clue what it is there for, but surmise it may be to release an air pocket as well. Any thoughts?

1 Reply

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,005 POSTS

Since your question has not been addressed yet.

I will tell you what I can.I do ancient Jeeps and Fords, I am not familiar with your car.

One of the "perks" of answering here is, I have access to a Reputable On-line Repair Manual

I plugged your info in and searched.I am a bit rusty with it, as I am with a computer

There is Mega Info, but I'm sure I do not know how to use it to the fullest extent.

The Radiator fill procedure is exactly like I was taught, years ago

Fill radiator---Crank engine--let it get to operating temp--thermostat opens--top off radiator--replace cap. Check level again after it's cool.I repeat this step after its driven, and cool again

There was no mention of "venting out air pockets".I ran a search on "remove before install", "each word", was found many times, as I investigated them, I found nothing!

Here's 2 solutions to figuring it out, Post a pic here, someone should knowor go to a popular auto parts store and ask an employee. Either way, it would be free!

I hope this helped in some-kinda-way!

The Medic