[blackcherry82]

i just bought a 97 3.8 v6 mustang with automatic transmission for a steal. but there was a catch. it overheats. they said they replaced the radiator which i can see they did. but theres not cap to pour liquids into. theres an over flow bottle but thats it. what could this problem be!?

thermometer?

please i need help this is my first mustang!

[ronjon88]

The first thing i would do is compare the radiator in the car with the original equipment radiator. Check if the number of rows are the same and see if the original radiator had a cap. If the wrong radiator was put in it could be hindering the flow of the coolant thus reducing the efficiency of the cooling system. If the radiator matches the original one then test the thermostat by putting it in boiling water to see if it opens. Also check the hoses for leaks and deterioration. Make sure the fan works correctly but seeing if it speeds up or turns on when the engine warms up. You might also want to check if the system is clogged.

[blackcherry82]

what do you mean the system is clogged? how would u do that?

[Guties]

i would recommend checking the heads. make sure the head gasket isnt already blown.

[ronjon88]

My radiator and my oil cooler were clogged because there was sand and a whole bunch of other junk plugging up the rows in the radiator and other small spaces in the system so coolant would not flow as fast as it should.

[blackcherry82]

how would u get the clog out if that was it?

[ronjon88]

All i did was drain the radiator and ran flush through it. Then i undid all of the hoses and flushed everything out with the hose. After i reassembled everything and filled it up with coolant.