1997 Ford Contour over heating

1997 FORD CONTOUR
133,456 MILES
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KCREW14
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The other day after driving about 60 miles , went under my Hood to check brake fluid (it was fine ), but my coolant was boiling. I was told that it was my thermostat. I replaced the thermostat today, I turned the key to the on position and my temp gauge went way past the red marker, I haven't ran the car in days, so what is the problem now?
Aug 19, 2013 at 11:22 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If the temp gauge is showing the engine is hot without even starting it, my first guess would be the temp sending unit.
Aug 19, 2013 at 11:37 AM
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KCREW14
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Where is that located?, also is it Ok to still run the car?, i started it and let it run for 15 minutes and the engine was barely warm to the touch
Aug 19, 2013 at 12:27 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If it isn't overheating, then chances are it is okay to drive. As far as the sending unit, they are usually located near the thermostat housing.
Aug 19, 2013 at 12:32 PM
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KCREW14
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I unplugged the sending unit and the temp gauge is still past the red, how do I know if my coolant is circulating properly?
Aug 19, 2013 at 12:56 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If you disconnected it and it is still past hot, there must be a short to power in the wiring.
Aug 20, 2013 at 11:00 AM
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KCREW14
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do you think the new thermostat fixed the boiling of the coolant? i was to scared to test it because of the reading of the guage
Aug 20, 2013 at 11:47 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If the gauge goes right to hot, then give it a try to see if it overheats. You mentioned that you ran it for 15 minutes and it didn't get hot, so I would say the thermostat did the job.

Let me know what you find.
Aug 21, 2013 at 11:42 AM
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KCREW14
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I pushed it as hard as I could, still not too hot nor is the coolant boiling, !, thanks for you input man
Aug 21, 2013 at 12:05 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Glad to help. Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe
Aug 21, 2013 at 12:06 PM
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