Overheated and won't start?

Tiny
AEHEAH2
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD TAURUS
I bought this car a week ago and the previous owner flushed the radiator before I took possession but it overheated after driving for twenty minutes and now will not start it turns over but will not start? Is there a fuse or electronic control?
Sunday, February 1st, 2009 AT 3:48 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

Was there any smoke out of the tail pipe?
Since it overheated and won't start I am suspecting a blown head gasket.
Typically you will get white smoke out of the tail pipe if the head gasket blows while you are driving.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/white-smoke-or-steam-coming-from-the-exhaust-pipe

If the head gasket is blown, you will likely see milky color oil, due to coolant being mixed.
You can also do a test to see if the head gasket is blown, by using a tester. It detects combustion gases in the coolant.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Here is a video instruction:

https://youtu.be/5zpNjYmmiYY

I have also attached the head gasket replacement procedure.

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.
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Wednesday, August 4th, 2021 AT 9:23 PM

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