Lincoln LS Overheating

[cikaslicc]

I'm new to this forum, so if I do something wrong, I'm sorry.

I have a 2002 Lincoln LS V8, and it started overheating. The degas bottle cracked so I replaced it with a new one and put a new thermostat in. I've bled it 3 times now and it still overheats. It doesn't heat right away, but maybe after an hour or two.

I test drove it today for about half hour and it was fine, no overheating. When I got home, I popped the hood and unscrewed the degas cap, and there was NO steam or any sorts of air coming out while unscrewing it. Is that weird and what could be causing it?

My next guess is water pump, but I would like to hear other opinions/suggestions if possible. Please help!

Thank you!

 

[joegr]

Please read the sticky threads and search for overheating.

Since your cooling system isn't pressurizing, you know you have a leak somewhere. All of the plastic parts of the cooling system are suspect. A pressure test should reveal the biggest leaks.

The other common gen I cooling problem is the hydraulic fan. Does it kick up to high speed and move a lot of air when you turn the climate control on?

 

[cikaslicc]

Thanks for the reply joegr.

I don't see it leaking anywhere. Could it be the degas bottle, since I do have a hard time getting the cap back on it? Also, the fans seem to be fine. Is it POSSIBLE that it isn't pressurizing because of a bad water pump??

 

[joegr]

Thanks for the reply joegr.

I don't see it leaking anywhere. Could it be the degas bottle, since I do have a hard time getting the cap back on it? Also, the fans seem to be fine. Is it POSSIBLE that it isn't pressurizing because of a bad water pump??

The only way it won't pressurize is because there is a leak. Yes that leak could be the degas bottle, the cap, the water pump, or any of the common leak locations (plastic cooling system parts).

You LS only has one engine cooling fan. I wonder how well someone has checked when they say fans, like there is more than one.

 

[oddball]

Thanks for the reply joegr.

I don't see it leaking anywhere. Could it be the degas bottle, since I do have a hard time getting the cap back on it? Also, the fans seem to be fine. Is it POSSIBLE that it isn't pressurizing because of a bad water pump??

If the cap doesn't seal, that'll cause significant problems. Folks have had problems with the cap on some bottles.
On the Gen 1, it's real easy to break the engine fill cap on the tree in front of the intake.

 

[lseguy]

I posted about recently replacing my Degas bottle for the 2nd time on my 2002 LS8. I replaced it once around 70k miles..and a couple of weeks ago at around 142k miles. Both times the bottle had stress cracks starting from the inside of the bottle.

This last time I replaced the cap as well. For under $10 it was worth it. So in my opinion, your issue is either the degas bottle cap, a slight crack in your cooling tower cap, or you need to rebleed again. Make absolutely sure you fill the cooling tower to the brim during your bleed process. Take your time..have the car on level ground during the process. This always works for me. (Although it seems to always take 2-3 bleeds before I've cured the overheating completely)

 

[cikaslicc]

Thanks for the help!

I've replaced the degas bottle, made sure the thermostat works (boiled in hot water until it opened & closed), replaced the water pump and on top of my troubles, as I was closing the white drain screw on the bottom of the radiator, the mf-er broke off!

Do you know if it can be replaced? It doesn't seem like it comes out at all. When I flushed, it only unscrews and the coolant comes out of the side, but it doesn't come out.

Tnx again.

 

[oddball]

Do you know if it can be replaced? It doesn't seem like it comes out at all. When I flushed, it only unscrews and the coolant comes out of the side, but it doesn't come out.

It's a standard part. The auto parts guys can get one, as well as the dealer. Rock Auto even has 'em. Just look up a radiator drain petcock for your year LS. If you hit RockAuto, it's DORMAN Part # 490218.
That particular piece was common across many years and many many cars, so it's easy to find.

It will come out the bottom. Keep unscrewing and pulling down. If you can't get a good hold on it, then, well, you're in deep chit.

 

[cikaslicc]

Cool, I can actually sleep tonight! haha

Anyways, I found the part and it looks different than the stock part that broke off, which I'm guessing is ok.

Yeah, rockauto.com http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=12446

 

[oddball]

Minor difference in the head. The aftermarket is actually easier - can turn by hand using the wings instead of the hex head needing a socket or a hex drive for the stock.

Same function.