1999 Mercury Sable Coolant Leak

1999 MERCURY SABLE
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NETTERSC39
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hey guys. Need some advice/help. I have a 99 Sable 3.0, which is leaking radiator fluid. Thought that it was coming from the overflow compartment, so changed that. However, it is still leaking. Think it may either be the lower hose or the radiator directly.Noticed it Thursday night, while driving home. Will blow heat, then it will blow cold air. How easy are these to fix/change? Want to start w/ the lower hose.

A bit of history first, however. This particular Sable recently had the heater core & the freeze plugs changed, so am hoping it isn't one of the plus. Is this another possibility?
Dec 18, 2006 at 5:24 AM
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BOOTDOG
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 665 POSTS
there could be several possibilities. i would have radiator pressure tested while cold to see if you notice any leaks comming from anywhere. you may have to even look under the vehcle. hoses are pretty easy on those models, but in order to change the radiator, it has to drop from underneath. it's not to difficult just a little time consuming. be sure to look around the intake, head gaskets and water pump when pressure testing. good luck :)
Dec 18, 2006 at 10:58 AM
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NETTERSC39
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanx Bootdog. Had the car looked at. Turns out it was the overflow tank, and the hoses combined. Got it taken care of, for now.
Dec 19, 2006 at 9:56 AM

Suggested Repair

Pressure-test the cooling system while cold and inspect under the vehicle, including hoses, radiator, intake, head gaskets, and water pump. In this case the leak was from the overflow tank and hoses, which were repaired.

Conversation Summary

A 1999 Mercury Sable 3.0 was leaking coolant and blowing heat then cold air after the overflow tank was replaced. Recent heater core and freeze plug work raised concern about those parts. The expert recommended a cold radiator pressure test and inspection of hoses, radiator, intake, head gaskets, and water pump, noting hoses are fairly easy to change while the radiator drops from underneath. The owner later reported the overflow tank and hoses together were the cause and had been repaired.

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