1993 Grand Marquis

[Proofer]

I am being given one that has overheating issues. I'm told that the thermostat has been changed, but it's still overheating. Is the only other possible cause for the overheating a head gasket or a cracked head?

Proofer

[ModMech]

The two most common causes are a stuck thermostat (disproven IF the upper radiator hose gets HOT), or air trapped in the system (often happens immediately after cooling system work).

The heads and head gaskets DO NOT FAIL on the 4.6L engine unless the engine is badly overheated first.

[fredjacksonsan]

Isn't the 93 the 5.0 engine, or did the 4.6 start then?

With 12 years behind you and overheating, I'd look to a partially clogged radiator as the cause.

[SuperJ]

I believe you guys have answered my question, but I want to make sure. I have a 92 MGM that like a dumb**** I deceided to try to drive home after the belt broke. The engine overheated so bad that white smoke filled the interior and came from what seemed to be every place there was a hole. I let the car sit on the shoulder overnight to cool off and went back to try to start it and it turned but would not start. It's a 4.6L engine so I am going to assume that the heads are blown. Are there any other options I may have?

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by SuperJ

I believe you guys have answered my question, but I want to make sure. I have a 92 MGM that like a dumb**** I deceided to try to drive home after the belt broke. The engine overheated so bad that white smoke filled the interior and came from what seemed to be every place there was a hole. I let the car sit on the shoulder overnight to cool off and went back to try to start it and it turned but would not start. It's a 4.6L engine so I am going to assume that the heads are blown. Are there any other options I may have?

Wow, I have to agree with your assessment of your mental state. Killing your perfectly good engine over a $25 belt.

You may not only have to replace the head gaskets, but may have other issues with the engine as well. A good start will be to drain all the engine fluids, replace the head gaskets, refill, and see if it will start.

Just wow.