95 escort over heated now won't run!!!

[coffinman]

Drove with out fan for about 30 miles before realizing that it was over heating, but the temp gauge didn't show any raise in temperature. Headed to next exit but didn't make it before the radiator cap blew off and all fluid blew out. Car bucked alot and I got off the highway. Got new cap, put fluid in it and drove at 45mph for another 44 miles then it over heated again..this time the temp gauge went up quick. Let her cool added more fluid finially got her started again but she bucked the next 12 miles home. Cooled down again and looked at her; everything looked fine except the fan needed adjusted and the manifold cover was loose. Adjusted the fan, got it running really good again, then tightened the manifold cover BUT now the car won't start at all. Any body have any idea of what could be wrong? I am worried that it could have blown a head or something.

[Davescort97]

You say manifold cover. Is that valve cover or exhaust manifold cover? Not sure what a manifold cover is. You adjusted the fan. Is this the cooling fan for the radiator? How did you adjust it? I think some serious damage has been done to the engine. Maybe is gone.

[mightymoose_22]

The car doesn't start.... does it do anything at all when you turn the key?

[carlos80]

Sounds like you blew a head gasket. Check engine oil dipstick. Does the fluid look like something resembling a chocolate milkshake? Look for abnormal amounts of water coming out of any part of your exhaust system and smell exhaust pipe tip, does it smell sweet(coolant)? You might also want to remove radiator cap and try and start car if it pushes fluid out violently or continous bubbling this or any of the above would indicate head/head gasket problems.

[Davescort97]

Originally Posted by Davescort97

You say manifold cover. Is that valve cover or exhaust manifold cover? Not sure what a manifold cover is. You adjusted the fan. Is this the cooling fan for the radiator? How did you adjust it? I think some serious damage has been done to the engine. Maybe is gone.

Might have cracked the head. Would someone tell me what a manifold cover is and tell me how to adjust the fan? I think you should say sayonara to that engine.

[mightymoose_22]

I suspect the manifold cover was a heat shield over the exhaust manifold. As for adjusting the fan... I believe 12 counter-clockwise revolutions, followed by 3 clockwise revolutions, and then 22 counter-clockwise revolutions, while all the while saying Hail Mary's will adjust the fan properly. If not, then you probably miscounted revolutions and need to hold down the brake pedal and honk the horn for 7 seconds then start the process over.