IsasMomma

I have a 98 Ford Windstar Mini Van. 3.8 engine. The engine has been running hot (the dashboard indicator shows it nearing H) and I have no heat. When I turn the heat on, eventually the indicator goes halfway between C and H, and the heat will run hot a few minutes. Then it does it all over. Just had an oil change and they checked and filled the antifreeze. I was told he heard a "sound" from under the hood and indicated he thought it was the oil pump but wasn't sure. I'm not driving it except in town no more than a few minutes, but will be taking it to the nearest mechanic (over 20 miles away) in the next week or two. I'm a single mom and worried it's going to be something major. Any thoughts?

Also wanted to add that when I first start the car, it starts no problem. However, if I drive a while and turn it off then start it again it sometimes dies or runs rough for a few minutes. Then it will smooth out. It hasn't died while driving it.

jwko

Hi & Welcome.

Could be a number of different things causing the over heating from a clogged radiator, stuck thermostat to a bad water pump. Best to let your mechanic check it out.

And the sound he said that sounded like an oil pump more than likely isn't.

boots6868

eww... theres an elephant in the room am i the only one that sees it??
I hate to say it but it sounds like head gasket. I hope im wrong.
head gasket will cause fluctuating temps.
cause air in the system which explains your heater not working properly.
and when you shut it off coolant enters the cylinder and when you restart it makes the plug wet with water so it doesnt fire properly till the plug dries off. eventually the plug will quit drying off... Ive said enough

R.S.LOGAN

" boots 6868 " may be correct with head gasket causing air lock in cooling system affecting heater . A block test will confirm if gasket blown .