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Engine overheating

Tiny
LCAFFEE
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 113,210 MILES
My problem happens spiraticaly. Some days no problems and other days my car tends to overheat. I have replaced the Thermostat and had someone run a preasure test(checked O.K.). The only time I actually lost coolant was when it ran hot and coolant spewed from the edge of the overflow/radiator cap. After that I replaced the Thermostat and it hasn't lost coolant since. It still runs hot from time to time. It appears to happen after the car has been idling. When it starts to overheat we can turn the AC off and the temp gauge drops to almost normal. I was told it could be a head gasket issue so I used bars leak liquid copper, but I am still having the same issue. Any suggestions and thanks for your help.
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Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 AT 10:52 AM

17 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Does it ever overheat at highway speeds or is it in traffic or stopped?

This guide can help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot
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Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 AT 1:01 AM
Tiny
LCAFFEE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It has happened both in traffic and on the highway.
Usually after we have been in slow moving traffic or idoling in park then getting on the highway or moving normally in traffic. When we turn the AC on the temp drops. It has never started running hot when stopped(so far). Any suggestions?
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Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 AT 8:01 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
The AC turns on the aux fan, so that is why it start to cool. Have you niticed if the other fan is running when the AC is off?
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Thursday, August 19th, 2010 AT 12:28 AM
Tiny
REGE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
For several weeks, my temperature gauge would spike after the car would run for about 5 or 6 minutes. Sometimes, the "Check Gauge" light would illuminate on the dashboard, but the light would go out after a short time and the temperature gauge would return back to its normal operating range.
Today, once the temperature gauge spiked, it stayed up and the "Check Gauge" light stayed on. I pulled the car off the road and the engine was indeed overheated. Steam coming out from on top the engine block near the firewall. I could also hear a hissing sound from the same area.
I changed the thermostat this evening, but the situation is still the same. No problems seem to be coming from around the water pump area.
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
If the thermostat is already replaced, have you checked the radiator to see if it is plugging? Also, did you get all the air out of the cooling system?
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHERYL HAYDEN SHOWERS EVANS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
  • 3.6L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 175,000 MILES
My car overheated on the highway I pulled over and there was antifreeze everywhere on the engine. After it cooled down it did start, but I turned it off right away and had it towed home. Let it dry out for two days but still wont start. There was no water in oil but after we put some in radiator there is water in oil.
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
That pretty much sums up the issue. It got too hot and now has serious internal damage. It is time to look for a new engine.
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAESCHLER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,000 MILES
Ford Explorer Sport trac

I have recently been experiencing over heating issues. This only occurs after vehicle has sat for some time (over night or during the work day). The vehicle will over heat during the first few miles (3-5) of the journey, and only lasts for a few seconds and then does not overheat again for the remainder of travel. I have replaced the thermostat, however the problem still persists. I am now also experiencing heater failure. The engine temp registers that the engine is warm, however the heater will not blow warm air if the vehicle is stopped (red light) the fan still works but the temperature immediately gets cold?
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
The most common reason you loose heat at an idle is because of low coolant. As far as the overheating when first started doesn't make sense. When this happens, has the coolant ever boiled over? The reason I ask is because I wonder if the temp sending unit is bad and spiking at first.

Let me know.
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAESCHLER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the advice! All systems AOK! I really do appreciate your time and knowledge. The addition of coolant seems to have silved all issues.
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACHAUN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
I. Have. A 2004 Ford. Explore just replaced my thermostat Two weeks ago and it started again what do I need todo it only just started back yesterday can u tell me how to check my thermostat to tell me if its working correctly thanks
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
"it started again" what? Have an infarred thermo can check temp at thermo housing to see when it opens if not then remove put in pan cold water with termometer at heatt till it opens
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SALLYUAE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
  • 80,000 MILES
We recently bought a car and the engine light came on as we drove it home. My husband thought it was the oil so topped it up. Later on it overheated and broke down, we couldn't start the engine again.

We have taken it to a garage who say the entire engine and exhaust system need replacing. Does this sound right?
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
It's a possibility. Is there water in your oil or oil in your radiator? Did they do a compression test?
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SALLYUAE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I think the oil overflowed into the radiator.
We live in the middle east and the mechanic does not speak much english. They've done lots of tests on the engine and concluded that it needs replacing.
We just wanted to make sure they weren't trying to rip us off!
Thanks for your help
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JAMAL FARAJ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
Electrical problem
2004 Ford Explorer 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic

Hi dear : 2car pros !
I have one proplem in my car, all time working good no nathing and same tim stop in driving or barking coll and hot engine.
1) I have replis now F. Pump and stil same proplem.
2)Sarves engine ( light ON ).

Waht shall I do or cheking my truplshot
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Has the check engine light come on? Is it overheating?
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)

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