Over heating!

[935point0]

I've had a problem, for a few months now, with loosing coolant from my radiator. It seems to purge out of the overflow tank after driving for 30 to 45 minutes and then turning the engine off. I usually check it ever day or 2 and it's usually an inch or 2 below the radiator opening. Yesterday, it ran pretty much dry and of course the engine began to over heat. This morning I filled it up while running and warm. I drove to work about 45 min drive and checked the temp, at different points on the engine, with a infrared thermometer and it was running normal temps at around 176 to 187. It began to purge when the engine was shut down!

Anyone know what could cause it to purge if it is not over heating? Too much pressure build up?

Thanks for any help!

 

[83Mustang427TT]

Change the thermostat and while your at it put in a 180 degree one

 

[935point0]

I have a new water pump, thermostat, Radiator, and an electric fan to install. I haven't the time although i will this weekend! I think the current thermostat has failed and is stuck in the open posistion. Would that cause a pressure build up?

 

[millhouse]

I had that problem when I was boosting with my gt40-p heads. What was happening was I was lifting the heads under boost…effectively pressurizing the cooling system.

You could have blown the head gasket out between the cooling port and combustion chamber getting similar effects. Does your coolant smell like exhaust gasses? You can get kit which checks the coolant for the prescience of exhaust gas. A Leak down test could tell you as well.

 

[stang_racer69]

yup check for a head gasket leak, drain the oil and see if water is preasent.

also, is there any air bubbles in the coolent?

 

[935point0]

I just got home from work. The stock temp gauge was sitting between the O and the R in the word normal. When I turn the engine off the over flow tank was boiling. I tested temps around the engine and they were between 180 and 195. Is this a sign of a bad thermostat?

Thanks

 

[donsbad68]

Head gasket is my bet.

 

[Cman88]

My 88 is doing the EXACT same thing. I just replaced the thermostat with no luck... although I am pretty sure its not a blown headgasket...