Engine overheating

Tiny
BLONDIE24
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 39,000 MILES
This vehicle began overheating when the AC is on after about 30 minutes. The overheating has literally blown the cap on the radiator and spewed coolant everywhere twice. Ford thought it was the thermostat and replaced it 4 times, thought it might be a faulty switch giving a wrong reading but obviously not since when it reads in the red it does blow. We had the water pump replaced thinking it was that but $500 later same problem. We noticed it overheats too when their is "stress" on the engine, like going up long hills or inclines (we live in Colorado). So the engine overheats with AC and stress on the engine. Any thoughts? It has low mileage, nice car but the threat of overheating takes the fun out of driving it. It seems to be impossible to fix this. Thanks!
Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 AT 1:46 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,384 POSTS
Take your vehicle to have the cylinders compression tested. I think your head gasket may have blown.
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Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 AT 2:18 PM
Tiny
BLONDIE24
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks Dave. Is that an expensive repair?
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Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 AT 5:58 PM
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,384 POSTS
Compression test. Will take about an hours labor charge? Cylinder head gsaket replacement will cost $500 for one cylinder head. You have 2 on your vehicle. But usually only the one has blown?
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Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 AT 6:54 PM

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