Desperate for answers! Temp fluctuation & overheating!

Ictchr95

New Member
Jul 26, 2011
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I'm going to try not to make this a book, but I need answers so I'm going to start from the beginning.

I've had my Mustang since 3/17/03, and wouldn't trade it for anything. It's a 1995 3.8L V6. It suits me. Needless to say this isn't my first rodeo with it overheating. In 2004 I had that lovely little problem with the head gaskets that we are all familiar with. Ran too hot and ended up with a cracked block :mad:. Learned a lot. Replaced the engine and knew that one day I'd end up replacing the head gaskets.

October 2009 ran the car 800 miles to Destin, FL. Ran a little warm through MS (12 hour drive and it reached the M). Got back and was fine until December. Driving home from work I overheated. Shut off the car and let it cool. Started it and limped it home. White smoke and a failed combustion test later I had the head gaskets replaced and head machined.

Since then, it didn't actually overheat until this June. However, what I have noticed is that my car runs cooler in the winter. Heat works just fine, but temp never goes above the N, if it even gets there. All last summer and the beginning of this one it kept fluctuating. The needle doesn't stay still. Car used to run between the O and R and remain there. 30 minutes or several hours didn't make a difference. Now it remains there for about 10 minutes, bounces up to the M, back down, back up, then gradually starts to go up. 30 minutes later and I'm moving up to the A at a steady increase. Car will eventually overheat. A/C works just fine while all this happens (freezes me out).

I have replaced the electric fan motor for the radiator, both the upper and lower radiator hoses, the radiator cap, and finally another thermostat. Did I mention that I took it to the mechanic after it overheated and he couldn't find a problem?

One more thing. As I pulled into the driveway tonight I heard a humming noise with what I'm going to describe as a light clicking. As I accelerated the hum was more noticeable. Not normal, related? Pump of some kind? Would suggest the water pump but my A/C remains like ice since the thermostat was replaced.

I need suggestions ASAP. Due to I.D. theft I'm having a hell of a time getting my bank to release my money so I've had to cancel 3 appointments with mechanics, and our second vehicle just lost the transmission. This is my daily driver and my baby!! HELP!!!

Thanks -- ICTCHR
 
First confirm that the V6 coolant re-filling procedures have been followed.

1998 mustang irregular rpm's showing hot - Ford Mustang Forums

Confirm that the exhaust is not blocked.

Any leaks around the water pump? How about the water pump bearing? Any in/out or up/down play?

Based on the large amount of parts already changed, IMO consideration should be given to this being a clogged radiator. Either take it to a radiator shop for professional cleaning or get a new one. The Mustang radiator is not the most duriable radiator and doesn't always survive cleaning. Most ppl would advise getting a new one. After all, it is over 17 years old.
 
Curious to see if you find a solution.. I too have had endless head gasket issues as well as the unidentified clicking sound (metal on metal, almost like a chain?). I'm in the process of replacing yet another head gasket, so just wondering if you've found something else to check for.