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blackharley
Novice
Dec 28, 2009, 8:21 AM
Post #1 of 12
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the problem i am having is a fluctuation in heat ,and loss of fluid. cannot see were its comming from,when at an idle it doesnt lose any ,just when going down the road,i can smell it for a short period, then loss of heat,and fluctuation in temp gage. any help woud be great!!!!
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DanD
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/ Moderator
Dec 28, 2009, 9:07 AM
Post #2 of 12
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Re: 1997 ford torus
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This is by no means a for sure thing; but with your intermittent loss of heat, intermittent smell of coolant and a mysterious loss of coolant; I’m thinking cylinder head gasket.
Not that coolant is getting into the crankcase as of yet; but into the combustion chamber and then out the tail pipe.
This can be tested with a block leak test kit or an exhaust gas analyzer; both of which would be testing for signs of carbon monoxide, in the cooling system. If there are traces of CO in the cooling system it can only get there by means of a failed head gasket or cracked cylinder head.
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
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blackharley
Novice
Dec 28, 2009, 9:11 AM
Post #3 of 12
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Re: 1997 ford torus
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a person told me it could be heater core is going out,but i can bypass it.
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blackharley
Novice
Dec 28, 2009, 9:54 AM
Post #4 of 12
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Re: 1997 ford torus
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i looked under passenger side of car and some antifreeze is there.could it be the heater core that is causing problem?
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Sidom
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Dec 28, 2009, 10:01 AM
Post #5 of 12
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Re: 1997 ford torus
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It is possible. There are a couple common problems with those. Dan covered one and heater cores is another.
From your original post I had the same 1st thoughts as Dan, I would definitely get that engine block checked. With the heater core, usually you also get a wet carpet on the passenger side and window fogging up way more than normal.
Both are expensive to fix but at least a heater core can be bypassed...........
(This post was edited by Sidom on Dec 28, 2009, 10:02 AM)
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blackharley
Novice
Dec 28, 2009, 10:41 AM
Post #6 of 12
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Re: 1997 ford torus
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is ther any where i can get a block leak test kit,like auto zone or any part store,,or exhaust anilizer?
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Sidom
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Dec 28, 2009, 10:53 AM
Post #7 of 12
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Re: 1997 ford torus
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I don't know if AZ sells them but Napa or Car Quest will care them. Price them and then find out how much a shop will charge to block test it. Unless you plan on using the tool much it might not be worth the investment.
An exhaust gas analyzer it totally out of the question. You are talking about thousands of dollars........
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blackharley
Novice
Dec 28, 2009, 12:00 PM
Post #8 of 12
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Re: 1997 ford torus
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can i tell if it is head gasket by looking in each cylynder hole? taking plugs out-
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Loren Champlain Sr
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Dec 28, 2009, 7:42 PM
Post #9 of 12
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Re: 1997 ford torus
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Harley; Does the cooling system build pressure quickly? With the engine warm, and if you are quick, you may be able to see steam in one or more of the cylinders when removing the spark plugs. If one of the spark plugs is exceptionally 'clean', it could be due to coolant in the cylinder. Or, if it's wet with water/coolant. But, the chemical or analyzer test is much more specific. The water pump is on the passenger side of the engine compartment, also. Have the system pressure tested for leaks and hydrocarbons in the cooling system.
Loren
SW Washington
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blackharley
Novice
Dec 29, 2009, 7:43 AM
Post #10 of 12
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Re: 1997 ford torus
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i did notice what i thought was excess preasure in resivoir,and one time it popped off while driving. i left it loose so it wouldnt build up. any thoughts?
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blackharley
Novice
Dec 29, 2009, 8:07 AM
Post #11 of 12
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Re: 1997 ford torus
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i pulled all plugs out and they all look good,all look the same, any thoughts?
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Loren Champlain Sr
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Dec 29, 2009, 3:17 PM
Post #12 of 12
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Re: 1997 ford torus
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Harley; Don't leave the cap loose. The system is designed to be closed and under pressure. Have the system tested for HCs. By design, the Taurus' are sometimes very tough to get all of the air out of the system. You may just have an air pocket causing your problems, but you need to have it tested. May be too late.
Loren
SW Washington
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