1997 3.8 Automatic Overheating

[Chuck Wiilard]

I have changed the thermostat, I have changed the water pump, the car heats up and the thermostat opens, but then the top hose get extremely tight and the car starts to overheat. The fan is running, the radiator is not clogged up and is full with 50/50 coolant and water. Any ideas, please keep it simple, shade tree at best.

 

[wmburns]

Ok, when you refilled the cooling system, did you follow the V6 coolant refilling procedures? If not, likely there is air trapped inside the motor. The air will block the flow of coolant. But more importantly the air will make the ECT sensor read LOW. This will delay the fan from turning on. The motor is actually overheating before the PCM calls for cooling fan.

V6 coolant refilling procedures
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/foru...stang-irregular-rpms-showing-hot.html#2604913