Coolent Over Flowing - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

agurung · 11-10-2003, 15:31

Hi

i have another problem(I guess this the gamble we take when we buy old cars). I drove for may be 1/2hr on 22 degree temp and I parked my car on shopping center and I turn back to see coolent is flowing out of my car. When i looked inside I found out that coolent from radiator is flowing to the reserve tank and coolent is over flowing from there. To my knowledge radiator is suppose to take coolent from tank when it needs not that it flows back isn't it?

When i check temp inside(on indecator) its not even 1/2, is this means i have a problem with my radiator?

I was thinking to replace coolent with new coolent, I am suspecting previous owner may have mixed water with coolent. will this help?

Thank you

Regards
Ashok

XR8 Lamah · 11-10-2003, 16:22

Check this thread: radiator leak

I wouldn't replace the coolant until you find the problem, otherwise you'll just be losing better coolant. Once you've solved it though, definitely change it (water ain't the best by a long shot).

mongrelEB · 11-10-2003, 23:01

If coolant is overflowing, there's too much pressure in the system. This is usually caused, in my experience :), by two things - overheating, or cracked head gasket.
Actually, 4 things - it could simply be a stuffed radiator cap, or thermostat. About $30-$50 to replace those two items; they probably need doing anyway

And since it's not reading hot, I suggest it's not overheating.

CLARKEY · 11-11-2003, 00:41

Had .the same problem a few weeks ago mate and it was the radiator cap.As mongrel said start there first mate.

TopGhia · 11-11-2003, 12:03

The coolant will flow back into the reservoir when the engine is shut off, due to the residual heat in the engine.

If you fill it up too full, it will overflow to the right level. If it is not overfilled, your radiator cap is stuffed.

agurung · 11-12-2003, 20:18

thanks Guys

I think I had bit more of coolent at my reserv tank and now its on right level. I am regasing my aircon this weekend and at the same time I am going to ask them to do presure test as well, see what they have to say.

Thanks again for your reply.

Wulos · 11-13-2003, 03:53

My tip, for what it's worth is the radiator cap....
cheap fix @ $10-15, for some reason of late I know of 3-4 EF falcons that have needed new radiator caps (bizarre)

TopGhia · 11-13-2003, 10:34

Strange. I had to replace mine on the NF as well. It seems that some caps have a rubber gasket under the top of the cap. When the cap is in position, the thickness of this rubber gasket prevents the cap from seating the spring to the proper tension.

The one I chucked out had the rubber gasket. The Tridon one (for the NF), had no rubber gasket and has worked perfectly. I don't know if the OEM cap had the rubber gasket or not.

Just thought I'd add to the confusion.