97 Taurus Overheating

[single_mom]

I bought a 97 Taurus wagon 3.0L Vulcan engine after it had sat for about 2 years...about 2 weeks later I lost heat in the am & it overheated (the gage shot all the way up) after driving only about 4 miles in the pm...
I got help replacing the thermostat and it was a bad thermostat so I replaced it again my self...that fixed the problem and it was fine for about 3 weeks until I got stuck waiting in a long line at a toll booth...I pulled over let it cool and added about a gallon of water...since then the radiator has been flushed, the thermostat has been replaced for a 3rd time and a metal hose that goes across the engine to the expansion tank has been replaced (because it was leaking) now it seems to overheat sporatically and increasingly more frequently...but always while going slow speeds and always overheats quickly...today I had to get home so I drove mostly highway that I could go fast and I put the hot vent on to try and relieve some of the heat in the engine compartment...but it was cool...so I played around with the dial as I drove and all the settings produce the same temperature except AC & AC Max (which were not as cold as usual, but still cooler then the rest)
I drive around to make a living and really need to figure out what is wrong...I can't afford to buy a new car or do extensive damage ignoring the problem (or the speeding tickets I'm sure to get)...
Any Ideas...Please Help

[mwt878991]

There is a known problem with the cooling system.

It is known as brown coolant.

Ford had a recall that added a bypass.

The whole system probably needs back flushed again.

Go to www.taurusclub.com and click on the yellow search button.

Type in brown coolant and maybe that will answer some of your questions on how to fix it.

It sounds like the heater core has clogged and you arent getting enough circulation.

Also the waterpump rotor could be worn and not flowing enough coolant.

I cant remember if the Vulcan pump is plastic or metal but they do wear

Mike

[KimMG]

While stopped, did the fan come on?

[Huney1]

I believe sitting 2 years caused the coolant to go yucky and the heater core is pludged and probably some of the radiator flues/tubes and a radiator flush is definitely in order. Check the radiator cap and I bet it needs replacing because if it doesn't hold pressure your cooling system has no pressure on it and it will run hot. http://www.aa1car.com/library/overheat.htm

Yeah, when it's idling at operating temprature the fans behind the radiator should come on. For goodness sakes don't stick your finger in there but take a flashlight and make sure they're working.