1997 Mercury Sable leaking coolant from under radiator cap

1997 MERCURY SABLE
165,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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RICH120865
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  • 12 POSTS
I posted earlier this week about coolant coming out from under the cap of the coolant recovery tank and the mechanic that answered said he was almost certain it was a bad thermostat. Well i replaced the thermostat and it is still doing the same thing. The fans come on as usual its just that after i've driven for a bit it starts running hot and when i lift hood theres coolant coming from under the cap. I've changed the coolant recovery tank as well in case it was cracked. A friend suggested it may be head gasket but the mechanic who answered said if i took the cap off and cranked it coolant would gush out if it was a bad gasket but it didn't. any more ideas? Thanks.
May 22, 2010 at 7:48 AM
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MHPAUTOS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

There are degrees of head gasket problems, not all issues with head gaskets will cause a massive pressure problem, i would be getting a head check done, this is a simple chemical test to check for exhaust gasses in the cooling system, also have the pressure cap brake off pressure tested and have the radiator checked for a partial blockage, a back flush will not be enough the tanks need to be removed and the cores inspected, start here.

mark (mhpautos)
May 24, 2010 at 3:26 PM
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RICH120865
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will the steel seal ad that i see here help?
May 25, 2010 at 11:16 AM
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MHPAUTOS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

Personally i never advocate the use of this type of stuff, in my experience with customers that have used these magic fix all in a bottle that they can cause more harm than good, by blocking coolant passages and radiator cores, these are only a delaying tactic at best and it WILL not fix the problem, to do this you will have to do the head properly.

mark (mhpautos)
May 25, 2010 at 11:21 AM
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RICH120865
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  • 12 POSTS
i just noticed a new symptom. the heater is blowing cold air. not just temperature of outside but COLD air
May 29, 2010 at 6:50 AM
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MHPAUTOS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

This will be due to an air lock in the heater core, due to low engine coolant, these are all symptoms of a head gasket if there is no external coolant leaks.

mark (mhpautos)
May 29, 2010 at 12:51 PM
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