Cooling System Problem
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 16
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Cooling System Problem
Vehicle: 94 Explorer XLT, 4.0 V6, Auto Trans, 4X4, 125,000 miles.
Problem: With no warning the vehicle seem to overheat or break a radiator hose, coolant goes everywhere.
To get the truck home, required the replacement of the thermostat. The hoses were not bad, but the coolant was pouring into the recovery tank, spilling out the top of the tank and going everywhere. The temp gauge goes up and down with the heater blowing cold air although the engine is warm.
Once home, the radiator, upper and lower hoses, radiator cap, fan clutch, and fan blade are replaced. For a few days after the vehicle does not seem right, the temp gauge goes up and down and when the gauge is near H the heater blows cold air, then when the gauge goes to near C, the heater blows warm air. These conditions improved after a few days. But I am still loosing coolant with no visible leaks. No moisture or garbage in the oil and an excessive amount of fluid goes into the coolant recovery tank but can not seem to get back in the radiator. When cold, removing the radiator cap makes the coolant in the recovery tank bubble up. I have no clue, anyone else gone through this. This vehicle has been perfect until now. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Chuck
Problem: With no warning the vehicle seem to overheat or break a radiator hose, coolant goes everywhere.
To get the truck home, required the replacement of the thermostat. The hoses were not bad, but the coolant was pouring into the recovery tank, spilling out the top of the tank and going everywhere. The temp gauge goes up and down with the heater blowing cold air although the engine is warm.
Once home, the radiator, upper and lower hoses, radiator cap, fan clutch, and fan blade are replaced. For a few days after the vehicle does not seem right, the temp gauge goes up and down and when the gauge is near H the heater blows cold air, then when the gauge goes to near C, the heater blows warm air. These conditions improved after a few days. But I am still loosing coolant with no visible leaks. No moisture or garbage in the oil and an excessive amount of fluid goes into the coolant recovery tank but can not seem to get back in the radiator. When cold, removing the radiator cap makes the coolant in the recovery tank bubble up. I have no clue, anyone else gone through this. This vehicle has been perfect until now. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Chuck
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,450
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore
Sounds like a possible blown head gasket. When the truck is cold, remove the radiator cap and rev the motor. If fluid bubbles out the top of the radiator, then you may have a blown head gasket. Also, check the oil for milky signs, but a head gasket can blow without dumping water into the oil.
