1994 Ford Taurus Overheating and no heater

1994 FORD TAURUS
125,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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SAYLITO
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At random this Taurus engine temperature will spike and the heater will start blowing cold air. I cannot get it to do it with any consistency. Totally random. The coolant level in the surge tank is at the full mark however the radiator will take about 1/2 to 1 quart of coolant when this happens. My first reaction is a head gasket but I can't understand why it is random. Any ideas?
Jan 8, 2010 at 2:21 AM
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RACEFAN966
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Ok I would take it to a shop (unless a parts store near you can do this) that will do a pressure test and pressure test the radiator and the radiator cap. Let me know what you find and we will go from there.
Jan 8, 2010 at 3:01 AM
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SAYLITO
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[quote:2164ff8554="racefan966"]Ok I would take it to a shop (unless a parts store near you can do this) that will do a pressure test and pressure test the radiator and the radiator cap. Let me know what you find and we will go from there.[/quote:2164ff8554]

Just did a combustion leak test on the radiator and it showed positive for combustion gasses in the cooling system. I guess it's time to pull the heads and look for cracked heads or head gaskets. Do you concur? Do you know of anything else to consider? I'm told this engine family is notorious for head gasket problems.
Jan 8, 2010 at 4:14 AM
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RACEFAN966
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 5,029 POSTS
Depending on which 6cyl you have I would agree. I would likely suspect head gaskets but do pressure test the heads they can crack but I have only had a few of them with cracked heads. If you have any question during the repair just ask.
Jan 9, 2010 at 1:03 AM
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