Cooling questions.

[notsure]

Ford Taurus 2001 3.0 ohv. I have a few questions about this car. There is a little elbow near the thermostat, which returns water back to the water bottle, what is this called and the purpose? How hot should the water in the bottle get? How can I tell if it's too hot? Right now when I take off the cap, it releases some pressure and some steam constantly airs out. Is that normal? Also, there was a leak in the water bottle. Figured owner put too much water in the bottle and ruptured the tank?

Reason I ask this, I just replace the head gasket on this car. Not sure what caused it cause it's not my car, and the owner has no idea. Thanks for reading and any help is very much appreciated!

Thanks.

[G O R T]

The hose is at a high point and returns air bubbles to the bottle to keep them out of the system where they cause corrosion.

The bottle temperature runs at system temp of around 200 °F and is under slight pressure.

The bottles are weak and prone to leaking, replace it if you see cracking.

[notsure]

Ah thank you G O R T! That explains everything!

[Cyber36]

Replaced a head gasket & didn't find out what caused it? Sounds like you'll be pulling parts again soon...........