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Keeps running hot?

Tiny
PACKERS27
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 FORD FOCUS
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,000 MILES
I have replaced the thermostat and it continues to do this. There are no leaks anywhere other than the coolant shooting out of the overflow. Thermostat has been replaced properly. It seems to do it most once the car is driven and get warm, then sits at idle. Are there any other solutions as to why this could be happening? No codes on car.
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 AT 8:35 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

The one thing that got my attention is when you said it happens most often when the car is at idle.

If you were to drive the car at highway speeds for an extended time, would it overheat? If not and it is only happening when stopped or in stop and go traffic, it sounds like the cooling fan isn't turning on.

Do me a favor. When the temperature gauge begins going beyond the normal range, pay attention to see if the fan turns on.

Also, take a look through this link and let me know if anything mirrors what you experience:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

Do this and let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

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Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 AT 9:11 PM
Tiny
PACKERS27
  • MEMBER
  • 192 POSTS
Okay, I will check into that. Meanwhile, it does it when it's out of coolant. Wondering why it's building up so much pressure when it gets hot and pouring out of the Overflow. If it was a fan should coolant still flow and not be lost?
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Thursday, March 16th, 2023 AT 1:57 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

If the engine is hot enough, the coolant will boil and be pushed into the overflow reservoir. Also, yes, coolant will continue to circulate even if the fan isn't operating. However, if there is no air flow to cool the coolant, it will reach the boiling point.

Let me know. Also, let me know if the coolant you use is being mixed 50/50 with water.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, March 16th, 2023 AT 8:02 PM
Tiny
PACKERS27
  • MEMBER
  • 192 POSTS
While the temperature gauge sits at normal temperature for a little while, you can see steam coming from reservoir. The fan never came on. Temperature gauge doesn't rise high until all the coolant is lost. The fan DOES come on when I turn the AC to max, immediately. Almost seems like it's something internal. Any thoughts?
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Saturday, March 18th, 2023 AT 3:49 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

The steam is normal because of how hot the coolant is. Does all the coolant come out the overflow? Did any coolant come out while the engine was cool?

There could be a head gasket issue. If compressed air from a cylinder reaches a water jacket, it can cause the coolant to shoot out as you described. However, that would likely happen at any temperature.

Do me a favor and look through this link. It explains how to check for a head gasket issue.

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

Let me know your thoughts.

Joe
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Saturday, March 18th, 2023 AT 4:14 PM

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