Overheating and don't know why

[txaggie074]

Okay...I have a 93' ford escort hatchback 1.9L that is running hot. I've changed the thermostat, flushed the radiator, changed hoses, changed the temperature sending unit (today). Now the temp gauge reads almost to the "L" on normal, and the electric cooling fan works. Even when the car reads hot it still runs as if were at normal operating temp. Water is not gushing out of the radiator capor the over-flow there are tears or damaged hoses..Can anyone help me ...this is the only car that my family has to get us around town. Thanks..

joe

[hunkydory]

I'm not 100% sure, but there may be 2 temp sensors, 1 for emc and one for the guage. Maybe the radiator is clogged even though you gave it a flush. Is your temp guage going to full hot? My 94 will somtimes climb 2/3 of the way thru normal befor fan kicks in to cool it down. Another thing to consider is the waterpump. If your going to tackle that, be sure to change the timing belt while your in there and everything is apart.

[hunkydory]

Just checked my Haynes repair manual and it states that there are 2 temp sensors on some models,1 for the ecm and 1 for the guage. It also explains how to test for a possible defective guage and how to test the waterpump. If you dont already own a manual it maybe helpfull. Good Luck!

[91scortgt]

Which thermostat did you get? There are 3 made for that year of car, I always get the lowest degree one, which if I remeber is 180 degrees. Also replace the temperature sensor for the fan, it is mounted in the block on the drivers side.

[RBlairhstn]

The 1.9 HO motor requires a 192* thermostat. If you change to 180 it will run cooler, but get less MPG.

[x_ze_bit]

I had some problems with my coolant temperature gauge as well.
First, it strated to hang on in slightly hot position, then, after a while,
in a hot, then in very hot etc. After like half a year it's normal position
become somehere in the right bottom corner of the gauge.
Even though it was somewhat scary to
drive, coolant was in place, no steams, no strange sounds, no nothing,
so pretty much normal operation.
Of course, I tried a number of thing - had service looked into it which
resulted in sending unit being replaced, flushed radiator, changed
thermostat etc.
Finally, I'v got somewhat different problem - my battery would not
recharge as it should, voltage with the engine running was 10-12v
instead of 14.6 etc. So, I replaced battery and was ready to replace
alternator and battery terminals.
But one shiny morning I decided to go through the wiring from alternator
to the battery, and here you go - I'h noticed that two bolts of engine grounding
were rustic and loose. So I tightened them and put on some WD-40.
And miracle happened - my coolant gauge is back to normal, voltage is
back to normal, and everything works like freaking swiss watches.
So, here is the summary: one year of fear, numerous parts replased,
numerous hours spent messing around the car, couple hundred bucks
spent and all after all, only two bolts were loose

[fomoco71]

And if that don't work,buy a cheapy aftermarket temp gauge,hook it up & see what temp it's REALLY running at.The stock gauges are prone to failure.

Originally Posted by x_ze_bit

I had some problems with my coolant temperature gauge as well.
First, it strated to hang on in slightly hot position, then, after a while,
in a hot, then in very hot etc. After like half a year it's normal position
become somehere in the right bottom corner of the gauge.
Even though it was somewhat scary to
drive, coolant was in place, no steams, no strange sounds, no nothing,
so pretty much normal operation.
Of course, I tried a number of thing - had service looked into it which
resulted in sending unit being replaced, flushed radiator, changed
thermostat etc.
Finally, I'v got somewhat different problem - my battery would not
recharge as it should, voltage with the engine running was 10-12v
instead of 14.6 etc. So, I replaced battery and was ready to replace
alternator and battery terminals.
But one shiny morning I decided to go through the wiring from alternator
to the battery, and here you go - I'h noticed that two bolts of engine grounding
were rustic and loose. So I tightened them and put on some WD-40.
And miracle happened - my coolant gauge is back to normal, voltage is
back to normal, and everything works like freaking swiss watches.
So, here is the summary: one year of fear, numerous parts replased,
numerous hours spent messing around the car, couple hundred bucks
spent and all after all, only two bolts were loose