94 Mercury Villager overheating; coolant loss

[runnergirl262]

I have a 1994 Mercury Villager with 192k miles on it. I replaced the thermostat (after-market) and radiator over 2 years ago. The water pump was replaced at 103k.

I'm still experiencing a coolant loss somewhere because I have to fill up the coolant a couple times a week, depending on how much highway versus city driving that I am doing.

The other day while I was sitting in traffic, the temperature gauge started to rise. I turned on the heat in the defroster position and it slowly went back down to normal.

I noticed some coolant on the top of the engine block on the passenger side.

What should I do? No mechanics seems to know. Should I replace the waterpump again even though it isn't time yet? What about thermostat and radiator?

Thanks so much!

[tempfixit]

No I would not change water pump or radiator at this time. I am not sure if there is a hose or a pipe going to the other side under the upper plenium. I will do more research and get back to you.

I would make sure you do not have any air in the cooling system causing the temperture to fluctuate.

EDIt: Go to the online thread for FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL on the top of the villager main page and go to quest the section lc page 12 it shows the coolant passages.

I would have the sytem pressure checked to see where the coolant loss is occuring.

Look at this video on you tube, it shows all the hoses hooked to the plenium.

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=2r72XnesAGg


How long have you been needing to add coolant???? Your mechanic should be able to find leak wioth a pressure tester.

Look at the point where the pipes from the driver side connect to the thermostat housing for leaks.

[runnergirl262]

I've been adding coolant for almost two years now. It appears that when I do mostly highway driving, the loss is much, much less. When I do add the coolant, I notice that it does take a while for the system to suck down sufficient coolant, i.e. it may take a minute to gurgle down then I add more.
Mind you, the car does have 194,000 on it. I don't want to spend a lot more money on the car but would like to keep it running. Thanks so much for your input. Your comments have been immeasurable.

[runnergirl262]

OH, one more thing, the other day, we did notice some fresh coolant sitting on top of the passenger side of the engine block. Where would this be dripping from?

[tempfixit]

When you changed the radiator did you change the radiator cap?? Are you sure the coolant overflow bottle is not leaking??

Check around the throttle body for a u bend hose that may be leaking and a o-ring on the throttle body that will also leak.

Try putting a small wire on the radiator cap to relieve some of the pressure and see if that makes a difference is coolant consumption.

Do you see any white smoke out of the tailpipe???

Have you looked at the FActory Service Manual (thread on the main page, one page back on top)

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