2003 3.9 cooling systemm

[BadSanta]

My 3.9 LS overheated, cracked thermostat housing, replaced all housing parts bled system ok for about a 100 mi. trip, overheated again. Now went over every thing again no leaks. number 5 plug had rust on thread ends but no anti freeze in oil or vise versa. drove it again keeps building up pressure in system and starts to heat up. Last time it blew top rad. hose apart. Bad head gasket or cracked head? HELP!

 

[joegr]

No. You need to replace all the plastic cooling system parts, and you need to fill and bleed it exactly as directed here: http://deneau.info/ls/s6x~us~en~file=s6x33004.htm~gen~ref.htm#extract_142

Details on the plastic cooling system parts: http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/forum/showthread.php?91092-GenII-LS8-Cooling-System-Overhaul

 

[stugots]

What is LVC without a daily thread on cooling system issues?

 

[BadSanta]

Yea so I've noticed! Had this car only 3 mos. before this problem, but luv this LS

 

[joegr]

...Had this car only 3 mos. before this problem...

That's not relevant. The fact that it is 11 to 12 years old is.

 

[BadSanta]

besides that, do you have any input on my problem, or useless comments

 

[joegr]

Well, I wouldn't want to bother you with more useless comments. Perhaps you should put me on your ignore list.

 

[LJS30]

What does it take to blow one of these head gaskets?

 

[joegr]

What does it take to blow one of these head gaskets?

I've only heard of one confirmed head gasket failure so far on the 3.9. I think that the main factor that makes it so rare is the failsafe cooling.

 

[BadSanta]

This is just frustrating I've done all theses things 2or3 times even removed water pump and checked for broken fins all ok. cooling sys. clean no blockage! maybe need to do pressure test!

 

[LS4me]

The answer is in post #2. Also, a pressure test will not show air leaking in when the system cools.

 

[1LoudLS]

This is just frustrating I've done all theses things 2or3 times even removed water pump and checked for broken fins all ok. cooling sys. clean no blockage! maybe need to do pressure test!

you have replaced every single part that coolant runs through that is made out of plastic?

if not, stop wasting your own time...




it should be noted that a pressure test usually come back no problem found with owners swearing that they don't have a leak only to find out that they did really have a leak and they didn't know because they were looking for the wrong thing.


also what brand parts do you use to replace the ones that you did replaced.




really heres one of the best test that I have found... bleed all of the air out of the system, then drive it until it starts to overheat again, then try to bleed it again, if more air comes out, then this is your proof that you have a leak that is letting air in.

it should also be noted that while yes, a severe leak will leak coolant out, most leaks with the LS start by being small enough to only let air in and not let liquid coolant out...

 

[RigsLS]

What is LVC without a daily thread on cooling system issues?

I'll take "a forum which doesn't get searched!" for 200$ Alex.

 

[LS4me]

I'll take "a forum which doesn't get searched!" for 200$ Alex.

The answer is......

What are the best coils, Alex.....

 

[1LoudLS]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6KOc_vVmSM&list=PLB5xnLSTuZEjcur_-6kwONVUXI0QFxDHC&index=1

 

[BadSanta]

you have replaced every single part that coolant runs through that is made out of plastic?

if not, stop wasting your own time...




it should be noted that a pressure test usually come back no problem found with owners swearing that they don't have a leak only to find out that they did really have a leak and they didn't know because they were looking for the wrong thing.


also what brand parts do you use to replace the ones that you did replaced.




really heres one of the best test that I have found... bleed all of the air out of the system, then drive it until it starts to overheat again, then try to bleed it again, if more air comes out, then this is your proof that you have a leak that is letting air in.

it should also be noted that while yes, a seveire leak will leak coolant out, most leaks with the LS start by being small enough to only let air in and not let liquid coolant out...

Everything plastic has been replaced w/ FoMoCo. parts I'm going to go over everything one more time!

 

[1LoudLS]

so you have replaced all three parts in the center of the motor, the upper and lower radiator hose, the degas bottle, and the radiator?


also check to make sure there isn't a bad seal or O ring out of place...