I have a 2001 Tribute with the 3.0 V6. Have had trouble with this thing expelling coolant out the expansion/ degas bottle. It will run fine - correct temp and not overheat while running. After I shut the engine down, the overflow on the expansion tank will spit out some water. I can see the level in the tank rise, then expel some steam and water, then drop as the radiator refills. After a couple of these cycles the expansion tank is empty and I am concerned about overheating the engine. I refill the expansion tank and start it all over again. I have tested the thermostat and I opens up when it is supposed to. I can not see, or hear, any other leaks in the system.
Any suggestions would be appriciated.

Thanks.

 

Have the coolant tested for exhaust gasses. Your symptoms are of a blown head gasket.

 

i do have some yet unidentified crud in the coolant. It has been this way for a couple of years, just getting a little bit worse now. how do I test the coolant? Will one of those test strips indicate what is in the coolant?
Thanks.

 

I think those test strips measure the condition of the coolant, such as the percentage of glycol & freeze point and the alkalinity & pH.

 

Call your local NAPA store and ask for a Balkamp 700-1006 tester kit.