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Chasing overheating issue

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tliles01
  • Start date Start date Jan 7, 2019
T

Tliles01

New Member
Jan 7, 2019
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Mississippi
Jan 7, 2019
#1
  • Jan 7, 2019
  • #1
I have a '98 with a 3.8 liter. Have experienced overheating issues, Found several freeze plugs leaking. Replaced freeze plugs, flushed system and everything seemed to be fine. Car did fine for about a week. Started car to go to work and was greeted by a large cloud of steam that smelled of antifreeze. Question: does this sound like a cracked block or a head gasket. Car was not overheated/overheating when I parked it. However the temperature last night was about 10 degrees colder but nowhere near freezing. Anyone have any insight?
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
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Houston Texas
Jan 8, 2019
#2
  • Jan 8, 2019
  • #2
If asking for an educated guess, a head gasket doesn't usually fail with large amounts of anti-freeze on the outside. That sounds more like something broke. Hose, intake gasket, or the like.

But why guess? Test! A cooling system pressure test will answer your question straight away.

Did you follow the V6 coolant refilling procedures exactly?

V6 coolant refilling procedure:
https://www.allfordmustangs.com/for...stang-irregular-rpms-showing-hot.html#2604913
 
T

Tliles01

New Member
Jan 7, 2019
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Jan 9, 2019
#3
  • Jan 9, 2019
  • #3
Thanks. I will keep you informed on what I find.
 

Neuron

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Nov 6, 2016
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Jan 9, 2019
#4
  • Jan 9, 2019
  • #4
Did you recheck the soft plugs you replaced?
 
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