overheating

[larryjoe61]

New to forum...computer geek..not a mechanic..1995 contour, 128,000 miles is beginning to overheat after a fast-lube placed changed oil and flushed radiator.
I checked the oil , it was down 2 qts..added water,added 2 qts oil(probably why it ran hot) indicator on cockpit panel did not indicate low oil though. parked car on flat area, inserted paper to check for oil leakage. Next morning, no oil leakage, daughter took car to school, drove home, started overheating again on her way home, 15 miles round trip...7.5 miles from school.
I get no warning lights....engine sounds ok...funny color to antifreeze...mississippi mud color, autozone says that is the color it supposed to be, aluminum block..correct ?? Air conditioner works great...I think I hear to two electric fans come on. The termostat opens when it is supposed to open....Can it close again when operating ? How difficult is it to replace? Can a non-mechanic replace it ? Any other ideas? Purchased a Haynes manual but procedures are not very clear, pic even worst. Anyone recommend a excellent procedure or pictures?

TIA
ps The trouble started when I had Circuit city install a cd player. The car would shutdown when turning hard right or left. I checked the battery connections and noticed that the postive connection was bust at the post. I "jerry-rigged" a new cable connection....no more problems then the overheating started.
Larry

[beyondloadedSE]

The muddy color antifreeze is a good sign of a blown headgasket. You may want to check the waterpump since the plastic empellars usually break around 70K.

[morefire1]

Originally Posted by beyondloadedSE

The muddy color antifreeze is a good sign of a blown headgasket. You may want to check the waterpump since the plastic empellars usually break around 70K.

My 95 overheats just like his does in like 5 minutes? If the head gasket is blown would that cause it to overheat? How much would it be to replace?

[xgrungepedalx]

A local mechanic will probably charge you and arm and a leg. I would suggest doing it yourself, take off the valve cover, loosen the rocker arm screws, and the headgasket is right under all that, i would suggest getting a manual for ur car, and a torque wrench.

[amh4501]

i am having same problem with a 95 with duratec motor and im havin hard time findin someone to work on it and the ford place says $1100+ have you tried sealent called blue devil was recommended at autozone but i would like more info

[beyondloadedSE]

Originally Posted by amh4501

i am having same problem with a 95 with duratec motor and im havin hard time findin someone to work on it and the ford place says $1100+ have you tried sealent called blue devil was recommended at autozone but i would like more info

this was posted almost a year ago! I dont think hes going to be checking back up on it anytime soon.