Overheating

2000 FORD CONTOUR
200,000 MILES
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DARREN BOUDREAUX
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It runs extremely hot. the temperature gauge does not work and the radiator hose on the bottom does not build pressure. it shuts off and shifts funny when overheating also.
Feb 24, 2018 at 7:38 PM
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HARRY P
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No pressure on one side of the radiator would indicate either a bad thermostat or a clog somewhere in the cooling system. Have you tried replacing the thermostat? Also, is the cooling fan running when it overheats?
Feb 24, 2018 at 8:07 PM
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DARREN BOUDREAUX
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The fan kicks on and I am going to take thermostat out and boil it to make sure it is not sticking.
Feb 24, 2018 at 8:11 PM
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HARRY P
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I would just go ahead and replace it if I was you. I do it any time a car overheats because if nothing else, it is weakened by the overheating. Plus they are only about $10.00 and replacing it is a surefire way of ruling it out. And if you take it out to test it then you will probably have to buy a new gasket, and you will already have the thing out anyway.
Feb 24, 2018 at 8:30 PM
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DARREN BOUDREAUX
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It's not giving me any other than what I already know
Feb 27, 2018 at 1:50 PM
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HARRY P
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Ok. Have you done anything with the thermostat yet? If so, and it didn't solve the problem, then we're looking at a clogged cooling system, a bad water pump, or a blown head gasket.

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

If it's the water pump, the problem would be that one or more impeller blades inside the pump have either bent or broken (probably bent if you're not hearing any noises). You'd only know by pulling the pump and inspecting it, maybe even comparing it to a new pump.

If your system is clogged, then water can't flow and the system overheats. Best way to test that is simply trying to run water from your water hose through it and see if it comes out the far side of the system.
Feb 27, 2018 at 7:05 PM