1987 Taurus overheating… simple or NOT simple?
My mom has a 1987 Ford Taurus, lately its been giving her a problem with overheating. The engine overheats until the heater in the car is turning on then it’ll draw off heat off the engine somewhat, but if it still stands at a light too long it’ll begin to run hot (or sit long anywhere for that matter.) Once we start riding, it’ll get cool again unless its 3/4th’s of the way up to the "H" then it’ll sort of cool off once riding, but it’ll go slowly… what is wrong with this car?
P.S. Sorry I’m having so much damn car troubles.
Tagged with: car troubles • damn car • ford • ford taurus • mom • quot
Filed under: Ford Taurus 1986-1991
With the engine cold, and the raditor cap off, run the vehicle.
If the radiator is full of foam, and air bubbles, you have a head gasket problem. These cars are noted for this. Also change the thermostat. Ase certified 22yrs.
replace the thermostat, that is a good start. Make sure it is full of coolant too.
chk the fluid level (be careful its under pressure) …. or it could be the thermostat…or the radiator could be cracked ..
Start with the thermostat, check your fluid and make sure it is full first, other than that make sure the cooling fan is coming on, no fuses are blown.
check the fluid first if it’s low check for leaks. if its find change the thermostat
I had the same problem on my 97 changed the thermostat, Did a lot better however it began to do it all over again , Changed the water pump to no avail, However I checked a little closer and I think I have a head gasket leaking just enough to make you upset , So check the heads for any condensation , If you find any replace head gasket , Remember to buy new bolts for the head because those are heat stressed and may break off in to the block, good luck
If changing the thermostat, replacing the water pump and/or replacing the head gasket, try the electric fan if it has one. I used to drive a 87 Ford Taurus and the electric fan went out and caused the car to overheat.
Pressure check complete cooling system, scan vehicles computer and check thermostat.