88 Ford T-Bird Radiator System Trouble
#1
05-20-07, 07:17 PM
88 Ford T-Bird Radiator System Trouble
I have an 88 Ford Thunderbird, Automatic Transmission with a 3.8 FI V6
The problem is with the radiator/coolant. It just seems like the coolant is dissapearing even when it is filled up it just rapidly dissapears from the radiator. The radiator does have good circulation from the water pump though. There are no leaks under the engine, no water in the exhaust and no water in the oil. This is an ongoing problem that has been happening for about a week and I am stumped. There is also a strange foam in the coolant. The car has been overheating rapidly in stop and go traffic but when the car is moving at a pace of 35mph or better the temperature goes down to the "C".
To attempt to rectify the problem I have had the car looked at by a mechaninc friend of mine that works at a commercial trailer refridgeration shop, he says it could be a problem with the head gasket but he wasnt sure. Im not quite sure what the problem could be either. Have changed the thermostat, the radiator hoses, pressurized the radiator system with a home tool and the system is losing pressure at a very low rate, but still no leaks are present.
The problem is with the radiator/coolant. It just seems like the coolant is dissapearing even when it is filled up it just rapidly dissapears from the radiator. The radiator does have good circulation from the water pump though. There are no leaks under the engine, no water in the exhaust and no water in the oil. This is an ongoing problem that has been happening for about a week and I am stumped. There is also a strange foam in the coolant. The car has been overheating rapidly in stop and go traffic but when the car is moving at a pace of 35mph or better the temperature goes down to the "C".
To attempt to rectify the problem I have had the car looked at by a mechaninc friend of mine that works at a commercial trailer refridgeration shop, he says it could be a problem with the head gasket but he wasnt sure. Im not quite sure what the problem could be either. Have changed the thermostat, the radiator hoses, pressurized the radiator system with a home tool and the system is losing pressure at a very low rate, but still no leaks are present.
#2
05-20-07, 08:01 PM
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It could be a warped head or piston rings. The coolant then maybe burned off and not going into the oil. The Ford 3.8L has been notorious for having head gasket/head problems.
#3
05-21-07, 07:24 PM
welcome to the "Wonderful World Of Ford"............You have a blown head gasket. Ford 3.8's of that era were NOTORIOUS for head gasket issues.......Ford replace many an engine in those beasts.........
Unfortunately, I think the time factor for a warranty repair has passed. HOWEVER..........It never hurts to ask...........and give a piece of your mind..
Unfortunately, I think the time factor for a warranty repair has passed. HOWEVER..........It never hurts to ask...........and give a piece of your mind..
