95 Ford Contour-running hot, can you prevent blowing a head gasket

[Thibon]

Hi,

First, thank you for any assistance that you can give me. I have a 1995 Ford Contour with close to 250,000 miles on it. I have never replaced any major parts, only completed necessary maintainance and replaced wear items (tires, belts, etc.). I have definately gotten my moneys worth but would like to keep the car running as it gets close to 38 miles per gallon.

Last week I went out in the morning, it was very cold, the car had problems after about 10 miles. The temperature guage went hot, the check engine light came on. The car did not seem like it wanted to keep going so I had it towed. There was no evidence of leaking fluid. I let the car sit for a couple of days. The oil was find but the coolent was very low. I added coolent and the car ran fine but then the temperature guage went hot again. I took it to the dealter who could not find anything wrong. I ask them to replace the thermostat since it was the original. I have driven the car approximately 250 miles since then and it seems to run fine except the temperature guage is at the "A" in normal. The only other time it ran that hot the timing belt needed to be changed, over 100,000 miles ago. I am not sure if they replaced the water pump at that time. A few weeks ago my wife mentioned that the dog had licked the concete where my car parks. She did not see a puddle, just saw the dog go for a little drop. The dog is okay but she said maybe it was a drop of antifreeze.

Does anyone have any ideas? I don't plan to drive the car until I feel comfortable that it is okay. My sister's husband thought it was the head gasket, he didn't see the car. Is there anything that you can do to prevent the blowing of the head gasket? Seems to be an expensive repair.

[pre98zetec]

your waterpump is probably shot. don't drive the car anymore.